Swaffham Town Council has rejected plans for a 5ft duck statue that was meant to be part of a "Swaffham goes Quackers" sculpture trail.
The proposal was defeated by a single vote during a council meeting where members expressed concerns it would make them a "laughing stock".
The decision comes after five years of tension between the Norfolk town and its substantial duck population.
The town had received a £2,000 Love Your Market Town grant from Norfolk county council and Breckland district council for the project.
The decision comes after five years of tension between the Norfolk town and its substantial duck population
WIKIMEDIA
An additional £250 was needed, plus a potential extra £1,000 for painting the "giant duck" as a community project.
The sculpture trail was intended to be a tourist attraction for the town.
Councillor Graham Edwards was particularly vocal in his opposition, calling the idea "absolutely ridiculous" and an "embarrassment".
"This would have made the town council an utter laughing stock. It's lunacy," he later said, describing himself as "delighted" the plan had been "kicked into touch".
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Councillor Jill Skinner questioned the choice, reminding members: "We used to be a council that was against the ducks and in favour of killing them."
Deputy Mayor Lindsay Beech made the case for the statue, saying: "We have got the ducks, they are a unique selling point. I think we would be mad not to exploit this to be honest."
Mayor Paul Darby also supported the proposal, saying it would have been "something novel" for the town and children to enjoy.
"It's disappointing," he added. "It's something we could have had for a boost for the people in the town."
Swaffham, with a population of 8,000, is home to at least 400 ducks that have divided local opinion
GETTY
Swaffham, with a population of 8,000, is home to at least 400 ducks that have divided local opinion.
Some families welcomed the birds into their gardens during Covid lockdown. Meanwhile, shopkeepers were forced to hire professional cleaners to deal with the mess and "health problems" caused by the ducks.
Eco-engineers even created a floating island at Northwell Pool to lure the ducks away from homes, but the birds refused to stay.
Councillor Steph Cooper raised concerns about potential vandalism of the statue, saying: "Everybody wrecks everything in this town. That's why we are the way we are. If it does get wrecked, which it will, we will have to pay," she said.
She suggested the council instead pay tribute to a local wicker man or another figure who had contributed to the town's history.
Councillor Graham Eves, who abstained from voting, noted: "People wondered why we needed a statue of a duck. We are known for ducks in this town. They don't stay where they are supposed to be."
In a statement, the town council said: "After thoughtful discussion, the town council has decided not to contribute to the 'LYM' Duck Project. The council remains committed to exploring other exciting opportunities to enhance our community."
