Dickens statue 'against wishes'

Plans to erect a statue of Charles Dickens in Kent, where he lived for many years, have been criticised. Experts say it would be against the dying wishes of the Victorian novelist, who specified in his will that he did not want a memorial erected. Medway Council, who say the idea is in its very early stages, has said it will take guidance from the Dickens family about whether a statue would be appropriate. His great, great grandaughter, Liz Dickens, told BBC South East Today she would be delighted, but others are not so sure. Malcolm Andrews, Professor of English at Kent University, said: "He was clear enough in his will that he did not want that ever to happen. I don't think it is a matter of enough time elapsing. Dickens is a household name - a worldwide name. Why do we need a statue? He is remembered already."