A model village on the Isle of Wight has been forced to remove a figurine of a topless streaker after a ‘small number’ of visitors complained it was ‘inappropriate’.
Godshill Model Village, near the coastal town of Ventnor, has ended its long-running display of the figure – a woman with exposed breasts – after complaints from visitors that it was not suitable for children and families.
The streaker, intended as a ‘lighthearted joke,’ was placed on the village’s miniature football pitch as a nod to the game’s streaking era of the 1970s and 80s, and known to bring ‘innocent delight’ to children who saw it and laughed.
Yet bosses at the site have confirmed the figure has been removed following complaints from some visitors who said it was ‘inappropriate for a family attraction’.
Penny Dyer, director at Godshill, said the decision came after considering ‘customer feedback,’ and the priority was ensuring ‘all visitors feel comfortable’.
Ms Dyer said: ‘The streaker on the football pitch has been part of the model village for many years, and for most visitors has been seen as a light-hearted joke.
‘However, we’ve received a small number of comments from visitors who felt it was inappropriate for a family attraction.
‘As a business, we listen to customer feedback and after considering the comments, we decided to remove her.’
Godshill Model Village has removed its display of the figure – a woman with exposed breasts – after complaints from visitors that it was not suitable for children and families
The streaker, intended as a ‘lighthearted joke,’ was placed on the village’s miniature football pitch as a nod to the game’s streaking era of the 1970s and 80s
However, some visitors have criticised the decision and told of their ‘dismay’ at its removal.
Godshill is known for its ‘whimsical sense of humour’, which includes many small jokes scattered around the site .
Local Rupert Willoughby, who is a regular visitor to the attraction, said he felt ‘dismay’ that the village had removed the figure, a symbol that always brought ‘innocent delight’.
He questioned whether the character could truly cause offence, suggesting it was in keeping with the light-hearted spirit of the model village.
But Ms Dyer said because streaking is a ‘feature of a different era’ it had lost its relevance anyway.
She said: ‘Streaking was very much a feature of a different era.
‘It is far less common and is no longer something that younger visitors recognise, so the model has lost much of its original relevance.
‘We appreciate that not everyone will agree with the decision, but our priority is ensuring all visitors feel comfortable and enjoy their visit.’
