The iconic fish statue at the De Luci Fish Roundabout in Erith has been assessed and declared safe to remain in place despite sustaining damage to its base following a crash.
Incident Details
The collision, which occurred on Monday, left one side of the statue’s base broken and debris scattered across the roundabout. Images from the scene showed a van with a severely dented front following the impact.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers attended the incident but reported no injuries. No arrests were made in connection with the crash.
Response and Assessment
Technicians, council representatives, and the statue’s artist, Gary Drostle, visited the site to evaluate the damage. The roundabout was briefly closed to allow for the safe removal of the van and initial cleanup operations.
A spokesperson for Bexley Council provided an update, stating:
“The roundabout and surrounding roads are now open, following a brief closure yesterday to safely extract the van from the central island and facilitate its removal. Cleanup operations are ongoing and are expected to be completed shortly.”
The council also reassured the community, saying the structure had been deemed safe to remain in its current state while repair and rebuilding plans are explored.
Future Repairs
Artist Gary Drostle, who created the statue, is actively assessing options for restoring the damaged base. The fish statue is a beloved local landmark, widely recognized for its striking design and central location.
Community Reactions
The crash has sparked concern among residents, with many expressing relief that the statue will be preserved. The council confirmed its commitment to working closely with the artist to restore the landmark to its former glory.
Further updates on the restoration process will be shared once plans are finalized.
