Resident of Bolton are growing impatient and even more furious as a plaque dedicated to beloved TV star Fred Dibnah remains unfixed eight months after it was damaged.
The famous steeplejack, who was known for demolishing tall chimneys in the North West, gained national fame in 1978 when a BBC documentary about his as a work was broadcast.
His hands-on, traditional techniques and charisma made fascinated viewers fall in love with him.
Fred passed away aged 66 on November 6, 2004, and a statue and memorial tile were installed in his home town of Bolton.
However, the plaque was damaged in January this year and now has several large cracks.
At the time, locals complained to Bolton Council who said they would replace the stone.
‘We have been made aware of the damage and are planning to replace the stone,’ a spokesperson said.
But the plaque today remains unfixed eight months later and locals are getting fed up.
In a post on X, one wrote: ‘Dear Bolton Council. This lad once put Bolton on the map.
‘This isn’t the way to remember him. Fix it please!’
It is unclear how the stone came to be damaged, but some speculated it had been done on purpose.
‘Looks like it’s been deliberately vandalised. All the paving stones around are intact. Who would do that?’
Another said: ‘Outrageous that the legacy of Fred Dibnah, should be treated this way. The man enthralled generations, with his love of industrial and architectural history/heritage. Please get it fixed, I implore you.’
‘Not just for Bolton, for the entire population around in the 70 ‘s & 80’s Britain, one of my heroes, nerves of steel, but yet such a warm and personable man, respect always from an old steel erector,’ said a fourth.
Others called it ‘shameful’, ‘shocking’, and ‘disrespectful to the town’s history’.
Daily Mail has contacted Bolton Council for comment.
