A towering nude Roman gladiator statue, once removed from a Wigan street amid complaints, has been reinstalled after a local campaign. The near-30ft gold figure, known affectionately as 'Golden Balls' or 'Willy', was re-erected at Bulldog Forge in Ince earlier this week, much to the delight of residents.
The statue, which originally featured in promotions for the 2000 film 'Gladiator' starring Russell Crowe, was taken down on October 11, 2022, following a council enforcement notice prompted by neighbour complaints. The decision sparked a local outcry, with Facebook pages and petitions launched to demand its return.
Grant Adamson, 60, owner of the vintage store at Bulldog Forge, confirmed he brought the statue back to spread 'Christmas cheer'. He said: 'Locals were heartbroken when we took him down. People liked him, he was a bit of fun – 'Golden Balls' as they called him became a landmark and it gave them something to laugh about.'
The statue had previously stood outside Titan Flooring Specialists on Landgate Industrial Estate in 2017, and over the summer appeared at Leisure Lakes campsite in Preston. Adamson said he asked the campsite owners if he could return it to his shop for the festive period after their season ended.
Despite the warm welcome, the statue's stay may be fleeting. Wigan Council has only allowed it to remain temporarily, and a spokesperson said they were assessing whether any consent was needed. The council previously advised that the statue required advertising consent. Adamson disputes the need for planning permission, arguing it sits on his land, is on a movable trailer, and does not protrude beyond his boundary.
