Call for permanent gnome for 'Mr and Mrs' figurines

12 hours ago

Isaac AsheEast Midlands

Gnome Island was named in honour of the figurines placed there

BBC Broken garden ornaments in the middle of a roundabout — Gnome Island was named in honour of the figurines placed there

A council is being asked to support plans to install a permanent "Mr and Mrs" gnome statue on a roundabout in a town in Derbyshire.

In 2014, a garden gnome mysteriously appeared on an unassuming and then unnamed traffic island, which had been built in Nottingham Road, Ilkeston, at the entrance to the town's new Morrisons supermarket.

A flurry of figurines followed, with residents dubbing the intersection Gnome Island - a name that Erewash Borough Council adopted officially in 2015 following a petition containing more than 500 signatures.

But Ilkeston county and borough councillor Dan Price said many gnomes had over the years been "unfortunately damaged, vandalised or stolen".

Gnomes started appearing on the roundabout in Ilkeston - after it was built as part of a supermarket development

A roundabout near Morrisons — Gnomes started appearing on the roundabout in Ilkeston - after it was built as part of a supermarket development

In a motion to the borough council, he called for the ornament-attracting landmark's cultural significance to be recognised, and for the council to help support "the creation of a permanent statue of Mr and Mrs Gnome".

The statue would be funded by community fundraising, Price added.

He said Gnome Island was regularly featured in the media, with its own Facebook page run by a shadowy figurine - known only as Ilson Gnome - and was even featured on a giant flag flown at Glastonbury Festival.

Ilson Gnome posted about plans to erect a 20ft gnome statue in Market Place earlier this year - on 1 April.

But the April Fool's joke could one day become a reality, as Price said that the roundabout had become "part of Ilkeston's modern story".

No place like gnome? A councillor said many of the figurines had been "damaged, vandalised or stolen"

The Gnome Island sign, leaning up against a metal pole — No place like gnome? A councillor said many of the figurines had been "damaged, vandalised or stolen"

He said: "Over the years, the gnomes have become a unique symbol of Ilkeston, attracting visitors, and creating a sense of local identity and civic pride.

"What started as a bit of fun has developed into a recognised community landmark that many residents feel affection for.

"The statues and displays have brought smiles to residents and visitors alike, and the motion seeks to acknowledge their cultural value to the town and encourage their preservation for future generations."

Erewash Borough Council will discuss the motion on Thursday.

The BBC has contacted Ilson Gnome for comment.

Listen to BBC Radio Derby on Sounds and follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.