Chichester District Council has decided to remove a statue of Lord Nelson, citing concerns that its current condition could negatively impact the surrounding conservation area. The resin statue, which also features Captain Sir George Murray, was installed with a five-year term approved in 2023. However, the council said the sculpture has begun to deteriorate, prompting the decision to take it down.

The statue was initially commissioned by a local history group with the intention of replacing the resin figure with a more durable bronze version. That replacement, however, never materialized as the group responsible for the commission has since disbanded. The council indicated that the cost of producing a bronze statue was estimated at up to £52,000, an expense that was not included in its budget.

Mayor of Chichester, Sean McHale, emphasized the council's ongoing commitment to preserving the statue, stating that efforts to keep the Murray/Nelson statue secure will continue while exploring future possibilities for its restoration or replacement. The council’s decision reflects a balancing act between maintaining the area's aesthetic integrity and managing financial and logistical challenges surrounding the artwork.