Campaign for council to recognise Headington shark

A council that tried to have a shark sculpture removed is to be asked to recognise its importance.

The fibreglass artwork was installed at 2 New High Street, Oxford, in 1986 by the property's owner Bill Heine.

He was told it broke planning rules and was only able to keep it when Secretary of State for Environment Michael Heseltine backed an appeal in 1992.

A bid to add the shark to Oxford City Council's register of heritage assets is being prepared by local residents.

The campaign to protect the sculpture by John Buckley is being supported by councillor Ruth Wilkinson.

She said people came from around the world just to see the "iconic" shark, which was "an integral part" of the area.

Ms Wilkinson said an application to have it added to the Oxford Heritage Asset Register was likely to be submitted next year.

Such a move would require the approval of Oxford City Council.

Inclusion on the register would be a factor if plans directly affecting the sculpture or its surroundings were being considered.

Ms Wilkinson said campaigners also wanted 2 New High Street in Headington to be given listed building status.