In a novel way to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the death of the poet Philip Larkin, a council is to spend £200,000 on 65 giant fibreglass toads.
By Andrew Alderson
Published: 8:32PM GMT 13 Mar 2010
The oversized amphibians will be displayed at locations around Hull for 10 weeks later this year. According to Hull City Council documents, "This project is designed to spark interest in Larkin's poetry among people who are made curious by the unexpected presence of their local 'toad'."
The move is intended to honour Larkin's two poems, Toads and Toads Revisited. Civil leaders hope it will create interest in Larkin's poetry and boost the profile of the city where he lived for 30 years.
But an MP has accused the Lib Dem-controlled council of wasting funds. Diana Johnson, Labour MP for North Hull, said: "You couldn't make this up. This is a scandalous misuse of taxpayers' money, especially in these harsh economic times."
Defending the project, Lib Dem Councillor Rick Welton, cabinet member for regeneration, said the toads would attract visitors and publicity to the city, bringing in extra investment, and would also be used in schools to promoting poetry and literature.
He said: "Instead of looking at the negatives, I believe there are going to be a lot of positives from this."
The project, called Plague of Toads, will cost £292,000 in total, with the rest of the funding coming from other sources. Council documents state: "Businesses, institutions, community organisations and artists will be invited to take part in workshops and to decorate their toad in individual livery to be placed in an appropriate location."
An entire programme of events to commemorate the anniversary, called Larkin 25, will cost £713,000. Among its elements will be the commissioning of a life-size statue of Larkin to sited at Hull's Paragon Station.
The poet completed many of his most important works while working as a librarian at Hull University.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/7437587/Poet-Philip-Larkins-death-marked-with-giant-toads.html
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