Giant mug back in place after Storm Darragh damage

A giant mug that was blown off the side of a building during Storm Darragh has been put back up.

The large polystyrene mug, painted with scenes from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, had adorned The High Flyer in Ely, Cambridgeshire, since 2021.

However, it took flight in Saturday's high winds, landing on grass near the pub and coffee shop, and breaking its handle.

The mug, which has been the subject of an ongoing planning row with East Cambridgeshire District Council, is due to be removed in January. However, it was put back up on Wednesday, in time for the festive period.

The council became involved shortly after the mug first appeared, after comments from residents that it was "hideous" and a "monstrosity".

However, others were delighted by the addition to Newnham Street, describing it as "quirky".

It was given temporary planning permission and painted brightly with scenes from the popular children's book. However, a date of early January has been given for its permanent removal.

Jan Grochol, general manager of The High Flyer, said a number of people said they were "so happy" when a maintenance team arrived on Wednesday to reinstate the mug.

"We just want people to know we are doing all we can to keep it here permanently," he said.

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