Elephant, zebra and giraffes face eviction from shop roof

Two giraffes, an elephant and zebra have appeared on a shop roof to the delight of children, but not of the local council. Reigate and Banstead Council has told new South African food store St Marcus, in Lower Kingswood, Surrey, that it needs to apply for planning permission or remove the near-life-sized model animals.

Kelvin Hinton, development quality manager at the council, said: "The sitting of the animals on the roof at the property was drawn to our attention. "We have advised the owners that due to their scale they will require planning permission. "If a planning application is received we will decide on any action required once the application is considered and determined.



"If no application is made we would expect them to be removed without delay." St Marcus opened a few months ago and is billed as a "one-stop shop for everything from South Africa". As well as South African cured meat, called biltong, the store sells exotic meats including ostrich, crocodile and antelope.

Owner Emory St Marcus described the public and shoppers’ reaction to the animals as "excellent", adding: "They love it, especially the children." Resident Judy Parfitt said the appearance of the animals a few weeks ago had caused quite a stir in the village. Ms Parfitt said: "Some are a bit horrified, some are amazed, some are intrigued. Others think it looks quite amusing."