The statue of Timperley’s iconic cult character Frank Sidebottom has suffered damage after being set on fire in a “deliberate” act of vandalism this week.
Emergency services were called to Stockport Road at around 4:30am on Monday (April 26) following reports of the memorial being set alight.
Despite quickly extinguishing the flames, the Sidebottom statue – which has stood in Timperley Village for eight years – was left damaged with scorch marks.
Charred debris was also seen covering the plaque at the feet of the memorial – which contains a Sidebottom quote reading: “As long as I gaze on Timperley sunset, I am in paradise.”
The life-sized statue cost £60,000 and was paid for by local residents to honour the memory of Chris Sievey – the man behind the famous Sidebottom mask who passed away in 2010.
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The Frank Sidebottom statue in Timperley's been damaged by fire. Crews were called to Stockport Road at around 4.30am this morning. The statue was paid for by donations by locals in October 2013. pic.twitter.com/ZrChPlusqf
The act of arson has been described as “disappointing” by a former local councillor, who told the Manchester Evening News he had been left “confused” by the incident.
Professional repairs are apparently underway to fix the statue.
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Frank Sidebottom first appeared during the 1980s – with Sievey donning the giant papier-mâché head at a fancy dress party.
He proceeded to flesh out the character over subsequent years – with Sidebottom earning a cult following across Greater Manchester as a singer, comedian, chat show host, guest speaker and founder of football club Timperley Big Shorts FC.
Sidebottom was also known for putting local spins on covers of classic songs – with his catalogue including hits such as Born In Timperley, Panic On The Streets Of Timperley and Anarchy In Timperley.
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The character was also the inspiration for the fictional 2014 movie Frank – written by Sievey’s friend and bandmate Jon Ronson.
Read: Manchester Cult Characters: The story of Frank Sidebottom >
Featured image: Dunk / Flickr
News
National Lottery hunts for Tameside player who’s not claimed £1m winnings
Daisy Jackson
The hunt is on to find a National Lottery player in Tameside who’s won £1m – and not claimed it.
The missing millionaire won the huge prize on a Lotto ticket bought on Wednesday 1 July, somewhere in the Borough of Tameside.
But with just two months to go until the prize expires, the player has still not come forward to claim their winnings.
The winning numbers in were 5, 8, 26, 33, 39, 42 and the Bonus Ball was 54.
Now, the National Lottery is renewing its search for the millionaire, calling for the mystery winner to cash in their prize before it expires at midnight on 28 December.
National Lottery Senior Winners’ Advisor Andy Carter has been out in Tameside ‘hunting’ for the missing millionaire, visiting everywhere from Portland Basin to Hartshead Pike.
Andy said: “I’ve searched high and low across Tameside for our missing millionaire, but I’ve had no luck.
National Lottery hunts for Tameside player who’s not claimed £1m winnings. Credit: Anthony Devlin/Assignments/Press Association
“With just two months left to claim this £1 million prize, now is the time for anyone who bought a Lotto ticket in Tameside for the 1 July draw to have another look.
“The winning ticket could be tucked away somewhere completely ordinary, while its owner has absolutely no idea they are a millionaire.
“We’d love to find the person we’ve been looking for and turn this search into a celebration. So, if you bought a ticket in the area, dig it out, check those numbers and help us find Tameside’s missing millionaire. It could be you.”
With all National Lottery draws, players have 180 days from the day of the draw to claim their prize if they have the winning ticket. Anyone who has any queries or who believes they have the winning ticket for any of the National Lottery draws within the 180-day deadline should call the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 5050 or email [email protected].
Featured image: Supplied – Anthony Devlin/Assignments/Press Association
News
Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man with links to Macclesfield and Alsager.
Joshua Wyatt, 34, is wanted on recall to prison, and officers are urging anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to come forward.
Wyatt is described as being 183cm (6ft) tall and of medium build, with a bald head and blue eyes.
Police believe he has links to both Macclesfield and Alsager.
Anyone who sees Wyatt or has information about where he may be is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report information via the force’s website.
Information should be provided quoting reference number 26000809013.
The Manc -
26th April 2021 
