Local residents were reduced to tears this morning as Whitby’s historic whalebones were removed and left the West Cliff on the back of a truck.
Although it had been well-documented Whitby’s whalebones were to be removed in preparation for a bronze cast replacement, there has been confusion about the exact date with many saying they didn’t know and would have liked to have witnessed a milestone in the town’s history.
Even members of Whitby Town Council didn’t know and stumbled upon them being removed while walking on the West Cliff at around 8am this morning (Tuesday).
Coun Jane McLaren said: “It had been publicised it would be September, but you can’t get much earlier than this. North Yorkshire Council (NYC) did not let the people of our town know when this was happening. Many of our residents would have liked to witness this in person. I’m gutted.
“I grew up on the east side and lived in a cottage at the bottom of the 199 steps. One of my first memories is of myself and my brother seeing if we could count how many people were walking up here to the whalebones. I was five.”
Fellow town councillor, Fiona Shackleton added: “I know some people are unhappy about them being replaced and taken down, but we love the town, have a passion for it and it becomes part of your life. There has been a lack of information.”
In July, North Yorkshire Council said the whalebones would be removed in September, but didn’t specify a date, as they needed replacing due to years of exposure to the elements and harsh weather.
Creating the new bronze arch, costing £70,000, will involve producing moulds from the existing bones and manufacturing a bespoke internal framework which is set to be installed in the new year.
Local resident, Judith Benson was in tears as the current bones were driven away.
She told The Anchor: “I saw it online and just jumped in my car and came straight round, but I missed it and they are down. I touched them for the last time but by that time they were on the back of a lorry
“I know they have to come down, that is absolutely fine, they are going to a museum and that is great, and we have had them replaced before. But, people were married here, had photos taken here and I think they have done it secretly because they didn’t want there to be people here.
“It looks absolutely empty. The skyline has changed until the new year. It has affected me more than I thought, I am not usually bothered by stuff but this really has bothered me. I had asked the council when they would be taken and new ones put there. They just said next month.”
Former mayor of Whitby, John Freeman said he had been made aware of the date and hoped there would be a notice put up explaining why they have been removed.
Also an artist who has produced many pieces with the whalebones in, he said people would want to know what is happening with them.
He said: “I can understand a nervousness about the spectacle when they were taking them down, but there will be a big fuss when the new ones go in.
“We don’t have a problem with them being taken down but would like to see a prominent notice explaining what has happened and there will be a replacement.
“I am surprised the council has gone for the expensive option, but if they are in bronze, they will certainly see us out.”
