UK

Women's rights activist statue 'to inspire others'

Andy Giddings
BBC News, West Midlands

Kate Blakemore described Ada Nield Chew as a woman who "put her head above the parapet"

A statue of a 19th-Century women's rights campaigner could inspire more people to stand up for their rights, according to one of the people behind it.

Ada Nield Chew from Crewe fought for the fair treatment and pay of her female colleagues and also for their right to vote.

Last year a Statue for Ada campaign group was set up to raise £100,000 to erect a fitting memorial in her home town.

Trustee Kate Blakemore said: "We want the next generation of activists to come through, to use their voice to influence change."

Two possible locations have been considered and Ms Blakemore said: "When I first heard about her in 2017, I couldn't believe that there was hardly anything in Crewe."

She hopes an artist can get to work early next year, but a lot of fundraising still needs to be done and she has asked local businesses to support the campaign.

An exhibition dedicated to Ada Nield Chew has been created

The campaign received a boost earlier this week when it was mentioned in parliament by the MP for Crewe and Nantwich, Connor Naismith.

Ms Blakemore said it was about more than just a statue, though: she wanted people to talk about Ms Chew and her work.

An exhibition is currently on show at the town's heritage centre and she was visiting schools to tell children about the campaigner.

The aim is to get the statue completed by 2028.