Woodsman statue gets new home in Langdon Hills Country Park

Eleven years ago the Woodsman Poacher, by the late Dave Chapple, was removed from Basildon Town Square.

Now, it has been unveiled in Langdon Hills Country Park and an official ceremony took place on Saturday.

Guests included the mayor of Basildon and the Chapple Family, as well as MPs and councillors from across Basildon.

Angela Smith, Baroness Smith of Basildon, sent her congratulations on the rehoming of the statue, to be known as “William”.

Vin Harrop, borough historian, said: “It was very sad to speak of the time that has elapsed between the Poacher Woodsman being ejected from Basildon town centre and his reincarnation as William at Langdon Hills Country Park under chief park ranger, Nick Stanley and his team, the proud owners of this patch of shaped, hilly ancient woodland just west of Basildon.”

The Woodsman – now known as William - had been a fixture in St Martin’s Square in front of the Towngate Theatre since 1996.

It was removed in 2010 to make way for the town clock and sparked outcry.

Council bosses said the Woodsman carving would be relocated to Wat Tyler Park, in Pitsea.

However, Mr Chapple’s family, together with local artists, were furious about the move, and launched a campaign calling on the council to reinstate the artwork.

A Facebook group was set up and the campaign won the backing of then Basildon MP, Angela Smith.

The controversy also led to the formation of the Basildon Arts Collective, a group formed in February, to protect and promote art in the district.

The Echo reported the pressure had paid off and the council had agreed to return the Woodsman to the Chapple family, who set about restoring the piece to its former glory.

Guests at the ceremony included Basildon’s mayor, David Dadds, members of the Chapple Family and Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon.

A host of other councillors attending, as well as Nick Stanley, site manager for Langdon Hills Country Park and other members of staff.