Roadside Orange Elephant Removed Following Vandalism

A prominent roadside fixture in Devon has been taken down subsequent to an act of vandalism, according to its proprietors. The orange elephant, typically situated in a field adjacent to the A38, near Kennford, in proximity to Exeter, had only been reinstated by its owners, the Taverner family, in November. The phrase “no dump” was applied with spray paint to the sculpture, which is believed to be a reaction to contentious proposals for a prospective temporary landfill facility on property belonging to the family. Authorities from Devon and Cornwall Police indicated that the occurrence is thought to have transpired during the night between Sunday, December 8, and Monday, December 9. These landfill propositions constitute a planning application submitted by the local enterprise BT Jenkins and await a decision from Devon County Council. Devon and Cornwall Police stated that currently there are no actionable investigative leads, but should additional evidence emerge, the matter could be re-examined. Helen Taverner, who is an owner, manager, and ice cream maker at Orange Elephant Ice Cream, reported that the elephant was already undergoing “beautifully restored” following the “horrendous” act of vandalism. She commented: “We recognise there’s a difference of views on the plans and continue to welcome a sensible debate, but this is not the first time we’ve had to involve the police. “We ask everyone to let this be the moment. We all take a step back and agree to conduct this debate sensibly and with respect for each other.”