A statue of John Lennon promoting peace has been damaged.
The John Lennon Peace Statue was brought to the end of Penny Lane in August but will now be moved after it was damaged earlier this week. It is unclear how one of the lenses of the former Beatle's iconic glasses was broken off, with vandalism and the effects of the cold weather among the possibilities.
Artist Laura Lian, who created the piece to "inspire a new generation to John’s and Yoko’s message of peace" said it would be going back to the foundry where it was first created to be repaired. She said she hoped it was the "frosty weather" which damaged the statue.
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She told the BBC: "We found the lens on the floor nearby so I hope it was just the recent frosty weather which was to blame. I see it as a sign that it is time to move on again."
She said: "I'm someone who likes to see the bigger picture as there is a reason for everything. Obviously it's sad because now it has to go back to the foundry to be repaired and it's more money to spend and more trouble."
The statue will be taken to the Castle Foundry, where it was originally created in 2018 ahead of its first stop at St George's Hall in 2019, before a new site in the city is found. The statue is partway through a six-month stint in the city, with further funding needed for it to remain in Liverpool indefinitely.
The statue has also been a frequent Glastonbury staple and has been around the world carrying the message of peace and love.
On Twitter, Laura, who sold her house to make the statue, said: "Well looks like John needs to go to Specsavers. Joking aside, He will be moved from Penny Lane to Castle Foundry for repairs. Then [we will] find a new site, hopefully around the M&S Bank Arena."
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