Film fans want Alien monster statue in Hartlepool as tribute to Sir Ridley Scott

Michael Holt asked Hartlepool Borough Council for support of the campaign at the last full council meeting.

An online petition, which has been supported by more than 700 people, believe a statue of the fearsome monster in the town centre would be a fitting tribute to Scott, who studied in Hartlepool before going on to direct some of Hollywood’s most iconic films.

Supporters say it should be part of the council’s Vision regeneration project.

In a question to the council on behalf of the campaign Michael said: “Ridley Scott studied at the West Hartlepool College of Art, his first film Boy and a Bicycle was filmed in Hartlepool and around Seaton Carew.

“We believe that this statue would bring many millions of fans of the series to our town to get a photograph with this iconic creation and it would likely receive positive international attention.”

Councillor Kevin Cranney, chair of the council’s Regeneration Services Committee offered to meet with the group behind the campaign to explore the idea.

He said: “I think it’s a good idea honouring Ridley Scott given the council’s plans for Church Street and also the investment going into Cleveland College of Art and Design.

“However, I think we need to look at this in more detail. I think it’s worth exploring and I think we also need to include the College of Art and Design.

“I welcome the question and will take it forward.”

Coun Cranney added Ridley Scott’s late brother Tony Scott, also a Hollywood film director, also studied in Hartlepool.

Ridley Scott made sci-fi horror Alien in 1979 spawning numerous sequels. He is also known for Thelma & Louise, Gladiator and most recently, The Martian.

Teesside’s industrial skyline is said to have inspired the look of Scott’s 1982 dystopian classic Blade Runner.

The online petition for the alien statue can be found at: www.change.org/p/hartlepool-borough-council-prospective-hartlepool-mp-candidates-let-s-have-a-massive-statue-of-the-alien-from-the-aliens-series-in-hartlepool