A STATUE of Queen Victoria could finally be given a safe haven after years of vandalism.

The iconic statue in Clifftown Parade, Southend, which has been regularly targeted by vandals could be fitted with a railing around it to give added security.

The most recent incident came in February 2018, when the statue’s whole hand was removed.

The cost of the repairs to the council was projected at costing between £3,000 and £5,000.

Southend Council had previously confirmed it was investigating other security options for the statue.

A spokesman for Southend Council said: “The proposed railings are to give the historic Queen Victoria statue added security.

“The statue has suffered from vandalism over the past few years and Southend Council has had to have the statue repaired several times over the past year.”

The new railings are proposed to stand at around 5ft7ins with large spiked tops in the shape of forks.

The lower areas of the railing will also comprise of three spikes, with an access gate for council staff to get to the statue.

A council spokesman said: “The railings that we are proposing are in the style of the original railings that surrounded the statues when it was first erected.”

The statue was originally erected in 1897 by then mayor Bernard Wiltshire Tolhurst.

The event was intended to mark the queen’s diamond jubilee.

At that time, the statues was sited at the top of Pier Hill, near to High Street, however, it was moved in 1962 to where it is now in Cliffton Terrace.

The aim of the protective railing is in order for the council to maintain its surrounding area’s history.

A council spokesman added: “The statue is situated in Amenity Park Land comprising of formal gardens and landscaped areas.

“The statue is accessible to the public at all times.

“It is situated near from the historic Prittlewell square gardens which is the oldest public gardens in the town.”