Bury Council has given planning permission for a 2m tall statue of the comedian, Victoria Wood.
Her brother, Chris Foote Wood, has been crowdfunding for the memorial to his sister since 2016. His JustGiving page received donations from almost 800 people, including £1000 from Dame Judi Dench.
The image is based on Wood’s character, Bren from the sitcom Dinnerladies.
Last night the council gave permission for the bronze sculpture to be erected on Silver Street.
It will be made by Graham Ibbeson, who was behind Lancashire’s Eric Morecambe monument.
“Victoria was a great admirer of Graham’s work, especially of the sculpture he made of Eric, which is why the Council specially commissioned him with the blessing of Victoria’s family and Literary Estate,” said the council in a statement.
Wood was born in Prestwich, but lived in Bury until she was 18.
Cllr Rishi shori, leader of Bury Council, said this afternoon:
“Victoria was a wonderful comedian, actor and writer, and was much loved across Britain and the world. We are proud to call her one of our own, and this statue will be a fitting tribute to her talent. We look forward to unveiling the statue in mid-May and welcoming the many visitors who will come to Bury to see it.”
