Online petition launched

It might be the sort of brash statement you would expect to find in Del Boy’s Mandela House flat.

But plans are afoot to erect a gold statue of the hookey market trader himself – or even of his famous Robin Regal three-wheeler on the site of his fictional home.

Although the Trotters lived in Peckham, South London, exterior shots of their home were actually Harlech Tower in Acton, about 13 miles away.

Now it is due to be demolished as part of £1billion redevelopment – and fans are being call on the local council for the new plans to include the lasting tribute to Only Fools and Horses.

John Challis, 76, who played Boycie in the show, is leading the calls.

He said: ‘The tower carries a lot of nostalgia for many of us – not just the cast, but everyone who has enjoyed watching the show over the years.

‘While we don’t want to stand in the way of any progress being made, we do want to commemorate the tower’s long-standing connection to Only Fools and Horses and its British comedy legacy.’

Other possible designs for the monument include a more low-key commemorative bench or plaque.

TV channel Gold has been launched an online petition to make it happen, urging Ealing Council to ‘acknowledge the history of Britain’s best-loved show.

‘By installing a plaque or statue, generations of old and new fans across the country will still have a piece of the show that they can visit and enjoy.’

The plans will have to be debated by the London council if the petition reaches 1,500 signatures.

Ealing Council granted outline planning permission for 1,950 homes in December with more than 3,000 planned for the future.

Published: 21 Mar 2019