A bench plaque 'in loathing memory' of Boris Johnson has caused a stir - and become an unlikely tourist attraction.
Residents in Atherton, Manchester have been left baffled after a plaque was placed on the bench last week - with the person behind the idea remaining a mystery.
But according to local businesses, visitors have been flocking to the site for days now, the Dry Clean Centre owners told Manchester Evening News.
Anita and Brian Thomas, whose shop has the bench right on their doorstep, explained that they have seen dozens coming to town just to see the plaque and ‘have a giggle’.
The tribute to the former PM says: “In loathing memory of Alexander “Boris” De Pfeffel Johnson. Prime Minister June 2019 to July 2022. Forgotten but not gone.”
Anita said: "“We were closed as we were away last week and opened up again and saw that.
“Everyone is coming now, two bobbies came and one was tying their shoelace on the bench when I asked them if they had seen the plaque, they were shocked.
“It seems to be getting famous. People are coming into town just to look at it.
“We have no idea who put it up. It wasn’t us though.
“I like Boris but I giggled. Now it’s online, everyone has come down.”
Husband Brian added: “He did have one of the worst premierships in history. But he did have to deal with a lot.
“We didn’t put the sign up but we did have a laugh when we saw it.”
Anita went on to say that it was ‘one of the oddest things’ they have seen in the town centre in their 46 years running the family business.
Many residents going past found the funny side to the plaque, but it did spark discussion over what sort of PM he was.
Lauren White, sat on the bench, said: “I think it’s a waste of money for someone wanting to express an opinion. But I think people have done it to take the mick really.
“A bench like this is normally for something sad or bereavement. I just thought it was brilliant, in a funny way, when I saw it.”
Lauren’s friend Susan Street added: “I think it’s funny. It’s taking the mick and something I would do myself. I’m not into politics and I’m not a fan of him.
“I think he is a joke and looks like one. So this is perfectly fitting.”
Another bench user, Peter Keenan, believed that this was all in good fun, but said that it reflects the mood in the north west towards the former PM.
“It’s fun and is a good bit of humour,” the 43-year-old said. “I have not seen anything like it before.
“I think it’s how a lot of people feel about him in the north west. He should’ve gone earlier.
“I think he should’ve gone straight away. They’ve waited for so long to sort out this cost of living crisis [whilst they had a leadership election].
“I can’t see anything good that has come from him, he was a bit of a laughing stock. Everyone from around the world looks at him and thinks he’s a joke so this sums him up well.”
