www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... &type=news

www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... &type=news

Important to get this one right.

His previous work looks very good.

rlhttp://stephenjwinterburn.com/Bronze%20Gallery.htmrl

Sounds fantastic

Bit confused that they are asking for money from the Wigan public to fund this??!

Yet work has already started?? and artist commissioned?

I did wonder about that.
I'm not doubting the validity of the enterprise (at least not yet) & I'm surprised it's not been done before. But the web-site labels the fund holders as a charity already & the Charity Commission has no record of them. The registered address is the Observer & the backers include an [iex [/iMP, an [iex [/iMEP and the [ideputy [/ileader of the council. Hardly an auspicious list of luminaries.

Sorry, but I need more convincing or at least a more professional presentation before the padlock comes off my wallet.

Same here, I actually find it really disrespectful to Billy Boston that they are requesting public money for this, it takes away everything from the whole concept of a statue and I'm stunned that Billy would agree to this.

.

But the team behind the £100,000 project is now ready to go public - with a call on Wigan fans to help pay for it.

Once the appeal has reached £5,000 the Trust will apply for charity status and then you will be able to donate online

Going of those two quotes from the article I'm guessing yes they want the Wigan public to help fund it and I'm guessing for some reason they need £5k before they can get charity status. Given it is on Wigan's official website I'd be confident it is genuine.

Still think the decision to ask the public for money is wrong and disrespectful to Billy.

Can think of few people who would want the public to fund a public statue in their honour, particularly in the current climate.

Love the idea of a statue but not at the publics expense.

To be fair it's not public money. That comes from taxes. They are asking for donations, you have the choice whether to do so or not.

True, still think it leaves a a sour taste though....some might say its even worse!

The town has not got the best of records when it comes to public art and whilst a fitting tribute to the towns sporting heritage has been well overdue Im not convinced that asking for donations is the right way to go here.

If you were a sporting icon would you want the Wigan public to be asked to contribute to part of the cost?

To play devils advocate would you consider it an honour that the public thought highly enough if you and were prepared to do so?

So how do you think it should be funded?

To be honest I would just be really uncomfortable with the fact that the public are being asked in the first place and would sooner have no statue at all.

The article also seems to suggest that the statue will be constructed anyway, its as if funding has been in place and then suddenly cut and now they are asking for public donation's.

Local businesses and the club.

Most statues are funded by charity donations.

Perfect recent example;

rlhttp://www.wigantoday.net/news/war-memorial-restored-to-former-glory-1-6321634rl

I have to admit, and this might be controversial for some, that i don't really want a statue of BB. Now before i start let me say that i like and respect the great man. He's a club legend and for many people he's one of the finest players we've ever seen. On top of that i agree he's one of nicest people going and a true gent.

Having said that however i think he's had a lot of respect paid to him by the club/town already. He's had the honour of having two stands named after him, he's one of only 11 hall of fame members and i also think he's had the honour of leading the side out at Wembley on a couple of occasions.

Whilst he's undoubtedly a worthy candidate and i don't/wouldn't begrudge him getting more praise i would like to see more given to other legends.