COUNCILLORS in St Asaph will this week consider the fate of a monument to the explorer Henry Morton Stanley which the Bishop of the city says should be removed.

The obelisk by sculptors Gary and Thomas Thrussell was erected in 2011, having been commissioned by the City Council to commemorate the explorer born in Denbigh but brought up in the local workhouse.

Like the statue in Denbigh it has been the centre of controversy in recent weeks, with many people for calling its removal because of Stanley’s cruelty to native Africans during his expeditions.

The Bishop, the Right Rev Gregory Cameron, questioned why the adventurer was being commemorated, especially in light of the Black Lives Matter movement.

He commented: “Current affairs amply demonstrate the anger and distress caused by the celebration of racist and colonialist pioneers.”

He called on the council to take a stand for equality and diversity by removing the monument.

Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies said “we should not attempt to airbrush the past” and suggested that after considering all competing views one option could be to display information about the conflicting opinions.

“We need to retain historical reminders to allow us to reflect and to inform future generations,” he added.

The matter will be considered at a meeting of the City Council on Wednesday.

The Mayor, Councillor Peter Scott, said correspondence had been received asking for the monument to be removed.

“The City Council takes these requests seriously and understands the depth of feeling,” he said. “The situation and appropriate action will be considered at our next full meeting, taking into account the current coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions.

“The City Council agrees with the Black Lives Matter movement and understands how important this is to residents.”