The redevelopment of Elephant & Castle is the biggest urban regeneration scheme ever to occur in Europe. The scheme is transforming the area from a working-class wasteland, to London's newest hotspot. 

And with the area receiving a much needed facelift we believe:

It's time to remove the huge eyesore which has presided over the area for decades. The elephant statue.

The statue serves no purpose other than detracting attention from the local landscape and architecture. Matters were made worse when Southwark Council decided to paint it bright, garish pink many years ago.

The history behind Elephant and Castle's name is also flawed with myths and speculations taken from hearsay. Some believe it was named after 'Spanish princess', others believe it was because of the 'Ivory trade'. If the latter is true, for this reason alone we should be changing its name and removing the statue, due to its connection with the trade.

Back in 2015, for a brief time we were fortunate enough to see the statue covered in hoardings. However it later reappeared uglier than ever after works were completed. The statue now stands opposite the Metropolitan Tabernacle, overshadowing the building's beautiful architecture with it's distasteful pink hue. Like a rash that won't go away.

Ask yourself, what purpose does the elephant really serve? 

We strongly believe that if the statue remains after redevelopment is completed, it will be an unsightly reminder of Elephant and Castle's sorry state.

Lets use the redevelopment to rid ourselves of the elephants, both in the name and statue. 

(Please also leave your suggestions of a new name for the area.)