Sheep prove a draw for tourists - and vandals (From Craven Herald)

Sheep prove a draw for tourists - and vandals

10:30am Friday 27th August 2010 in News

The painted sheep which have been placed at locations around Skipton

Two of the larger-than-life sheep which are adorning Skipton have been vandalised, but it hasn’t deterred organisers who claim they are drawing in the public.

Twenty-five fibreglass sheep have been placed around the town, all decorated in a variety of themes.

The town council, which is running the initiative for the Skipton Business Improvement District (BID), made up of business ratepayers, say footfall figures have increased since the sheep appeared and have hailed them a success.

However, on Saturday night one of the sheep outside Craven Court was vandalised and dragged into the road and another, outside Bon Marche in Caroline Square, suffered damage to its bodywork.

It has gone for repair and a notice has been put in its place to say it is “at the vets” and will be back soon.

Police are investigating the incidents and said a member of the public witnessed two males moving one of the sheep from outside Craven Court into the middle of Court Lane.

One of them then took his shirt off and posed with the sheep for a photograph while the other, wearing a tartan shirt, was reported to have taken his trousers off. They fled down the snicket at the side of the Albion pub.

“We, as the police, are disappointed that people have decided to target the sheep and we will prosecute anyone found damaging them,” said Sgt Paul Evans.

Despite the setback, town manager Brett Butler said he was delighted with the “Flock to Skipton” initiative.

He said: “At times there are even queues forming at the most popular sheep, with visitors and their families waiting patiently to take a photograph. The trail maps are flying out from shops, the town hall and the tourist information centre and already we’ve had feedback from people making the trip from Manchester, Liverpool and even as far away as Nottingham and Cambridge.

“It’s really annoying that, once again, a small minority of idiots are potentially spoiling something which is aimed at raising the profile and success of the town.”

Skipton Town Council is asking local people to keep an eye out for anyone causing damage to the sheep.

Chief officer Dave Parker said: “We don’t have a problem with people having a bit of fun with the sheep, that’s all part of it. We expected that people would climb on them and we expected the minor bashes and knocks that go along with it.

“Sadly, some of what has happened over the weekend is not accidental damage. It is pure vandalism and something we take very seriously.

“A lot of local businesses have invested money in this project and we will always aim to prosecute anyone causing criminal damage.

“These people are undermining a good deal of hard work and I would ask anyone spotting damage taking place to report it to us or the police straight away.

“The project can make a real difference in the town during difficult economic times. If we can all keep an eye out for the sheep it will benefit us and the town in the long term.”

Anyone spotting someone damaging the sheep should ring the police on 0845 6060 247 or the town council office, during working hours, on 01756 794357. The sheep will be in place until November 14 and more information can be found on the website flocktoskipton.co.uk