Councillors in Lincolnshire have given the go ahead for a bronze statue of Margaret Thatcher to be placed in Grantham, home town of the late prime minister.
They say the 10.5ft statue will be 'a fitting tribute to a unique political figure' which will bring visitors 'on both sides of the debate who come to find out more about her legacy.'
The proposals, the result of an agreement between Grantham Community Heritage Association, South Kesteven District Council and the Public Memorials Appeal, were approved unanimously by the council's development management committee.
They say no public funds have been used for the statue, which has been paid for by the Public Memorials Appeal, a charity commissions memorials of historically important people, while money raised by the GCHA Margaret Thatcher Appeal will help deliver it.
Matthew Lee, leader of South Kesteven District Council, said: 'Margaret Thatcher was an important political figure, both nationally and internationally, and deserves to be recognised in her home town.
'Whatever your views, the statue will undoubtedly attract more visitors to the town which can only be good news for Grantham's local economy, bringing benefits and opportunities for residents and local businesses.'
