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A bitter row has raged in the Lincolnshire town of Grantham for over decade on how to commemorate its most famous daughter. Now council chiefs want a £100,000 grant to pay for a grand unveiling of the statue in the home town of the former prime minister.

But opponents reckon the virus and economic crisis make it the wrong time for a lavish ceremony at taxpayers’ expense.

South Kesteven District Council finally granted permission for the £300,000 monument to be erected two years ago.

The 10ft bronze statue was created by British sculptor Douglas Jennings – showing Baroness Thatcher in full ceremonial robes of the House of Lords.

A previous proposal to erect it in London was rejected.

Lincolnshire Police recommended the memorial be placed on a “sufficiently high plinth” and within easy view to deter attackers.

That was installed in Grantham in February, and the statue was meant to join it in May.

But the project is now postponed until social distancing is no longer required.

Organisers say the large amount is needed to ensure a sense of pageantry for the unveiling, complete with dignitaries and military band.

Private, business and other funding will be sought to help reduce costs. A meeting of the council’s cabinet next week is recommended to approve the funding request.

A report prepared for the meeting says: “The statue is expected to attract many visitors, which will increase Grantham and South Kesteven’s status as a destination for tourism with the associated benefits. An increase in visitor numbers to the area will boost the local economy and benefit our local shops and businesses.”

Ray Wootten, a Conservative councillor for Grantham North, has been a long-time supporter of the statue.

He said: “The installation of a statue to recognise that Margaret Thatcher was Britain’s first female Prime Minister who came from Grantham? For this fact alone the people of the town should support this. The unveiling will put Grantham on the world stage and enhance Grantham tourism.”

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