MP slams Lib Dem waste of £200,000 on giant toads

Hull North MP Diana Johnson today condemned a decision by Hull's Lib Dem Council to spend £200,000 towards putting giant model toads around Hull.

According to Hull City Council documents, the purpose of the spending is to create "a network of sculptures to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Philip Larkin's death".

Hull City Council has agreed to contribute £200,000 towards this project, a large part of which is the £292,000 "Plague of Toads". This is a temporary exhibition that will "populate the city with enormous decorated toads" for ten weeks later this year.

Council papers state: "This project is designed to spark interest in Larkin's poetry among people who are made curious by the unexpected presence of their local 'toad'."

Diana Johnson MP said: "You couldn't make this up!

"Last year, Hull's Lib Dem Council denied Hull people the free swimming currently being enjoyed across most of the country, saying that they couldn't afford an £100,000 contribution that would have brought in the Government funding for it. Now the Lib Dems can suddenly find £200,000 to waste on giant model toads.

"I've got no problem with many of the plans to celebrate Hull's connection with Philip Larkin, such as the statue of him at Paragon Station. But even if these model toads have any educational value or regeneration benefits, why should Hull's council tax-payers be asked for £200,000 towards it?

"This is a scandalous misuse of tax-payers' money, especially in these harsh economic times."

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