Sir Jimmy memorial campaign for £50,000 statue at his resting place

A £50,000 fundraising campaign is underway to finance the statue in the town where Sir Jimmy is buried after he died at the age of 84 last October.

The appeal has been launched by the Scarborough Sir Jimmy Savile Memorial Group, which has asked for the public’s views on the design of the proposed tribute.

The group, which includes representatives from Scarborough Borough Council, the Scarborough and District Civic Society and friends of the entertainer, has met twice to discuss ideas and possible locations.

The borough council’s portfolio holder for tourism and the spokesman for the group, Coun David Jeffels, said: “He regarded Scarborough as the place where he could come and relax and developed close friendships here stretching back more than 40 years.”

Coun Jeffels added: “It is extremely fitting that we recognise his fame in Scarborough, particularly as the town is his resting place.

“A statue will become a tourism attraction in its own right and would attract people far and wide.”

The Scarborough and District Civic Society is also planning to put a gilt-coloured plaque on the wall of Sir Jimmy’s apartment on the Esplanade. An area of land opposite the apartment, leading to the Spa bridge, could also be named in his honour.

Leeds-born Sir Jimmy was buried last November at Woodlands Cemetery, with his casket placed at a 45-degree angle as if looking out to sea.

His burial took place the day after thousands of mourners attended a service at St Anne’s Cathedral in Leeds.