The figurine, dubbed Erica, was earlier removed over concerns she was ‘inappropriate’
An Isle of Wight tourist attraction has announced the return of its miniature female streaker following a wave of public backlash over its initial removal.
Godshill Model Village took down the tiny topless toy from its miniature football pitch display last week after receiving complaints from visitors who considered it “inappropriate”.
The decision prompted uproar from members of the public, who argued that removing the figurine ruined the “whimsical sense of humour” that had always brought “innocent delight” to children visiting the village.
Bosses subsequently conducted an online poll, in which 98 percent of voters backed the return of the miniature streaker, who has been named Erica.
She will now be brought back in honour of a breast cancer awareness charity, and will be hidden all over the village so visitors who spot her are encouraged to make a donation.
Erica was originally placed on the pitch as a nod to the era of prolific football streaking in the 1970s and ‘80s.
However, she was shown the red card last week and was removed, with bosses at the model village saying that they received complaints from some visitors who complained it was “inappropriate for a family attraction”.
They said that streaking was “very much a feature of a different era” and children nowadays will “no longer recognise it”.
But visitors criticised the decision and told of their “dismay” at the removal.
Among them was Rupert Willoughby, who said the figurine, which brought “innocent delight” to children, was in keeping with the light-hearted spirit of the model village.
The model village then ran an online poll which showed overwhelming support for bringing the plastic woman back.
Bosses for the village wrote on social media: “Thank you to everyone who voted in our poll and respectfully shared their thoughts about the Streaker.
“She will be returning … but this time swapping the football pitch for various secret locations around the gardens.
“We would like her return to help raise awareness and funds for a wonderful local breast cancer charity.
“So, if you spot her hiding in the gardens, there will be a donation pot nearby if you’d like to show your support.”
The new model will raise funds and awareness for The Breast Friends Isle of Wight, a local breast cancer charity.
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