NO STATUES across Romsey are set to be removed following anti-racism demonstrations, it is understood.

Romsey town centre manager, Mark Edgerley, revealed there were no plans to take down the statue of Lord Palmerston, Market Place, or the War Horse in the War Memorial Park.

The news comes as earlier this week Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council confirmed that the statue of Robert Baden-Powell on Poole Quay will be removed and placed in “safe storage” to “minimise the risk of any public disorder or anti-social behaviour”.

This comes as Topple the Racists has identified dozens of statues across the UK which “celebrate slavery and racism”.

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But none of these statues or monuments is in Hampshire, according to Topple the Racists website.

Now community leaders across Romsey have weighed in on the topic, with one councillor worrying the War Horse could be targeted claiming it has to be fixed "at least once each year".

Mr Edgerley said: "We did not think there were any statues in Romsey that would be targeted by protesters.

"Palmerston was in favour of abolishing slavery and we did not believe there was a strong enough contention to remove the statue."

He added the War Horse "should not be targeted" by protesters either.

Hampshire Chronicle: Mark Edgerley Mark Edgerley

Cllr Dorothy Baverstock, who represents Romsey Cupernham on the borough council, said: "I would agree with Mark about the Palmerston statue, but with the War Horse I would say we have had to fix it at least once each year.

"It is a memorial to the people and the animals who fought in World War One and I think people should respect that.

"That statue is always a worry for me and I think anyone who damages it should have to pay to repair it if we find out who they are, however we are putting up some CCTV around there so hopefully it will be a deterrent."

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Hampshire Chronicle: Cllr Dorothy Baverstock Cllr Dorothy Baverstock

Cllr Nik Daas, who represents Romsey Abbey on the borough council, said: "In terms of Romsey, I think Palmerston had a rich history with the town and was a great UK leader [during the 19th century], so I don't think anybody wants to see the statue come down.

"With the War Horse it allows us to take a couple of minutes to reflect on that time, especially for young people who do not know what is was like during World War One.

"On the wider issue, I think the statue of Edward Colston had to be taken down as it symbolised slavery, but it should be placed in a museum, which I hear is going to happen, and not in the river."

Hampshire Chronicle: Cllr Nik DaasCllr Nik Daas

Test Valley Borough Council confirmed there are no plans to board up any of their statues.  

A spokesperson from Hampshire police said they "have not given advice to councils about statues".