There is a new resident along Bottesford Beck – Charlie the Covid snake, who first made an appearance in June and has grown steadily over the year.
He is now a permanent resident at the linear park and a lasting reminder of how our communities can adapt and pull together.
Local resident Stacy McMahon decided to start the snake after seeing a similar project in Central Park, and her seven-year-old son Adam put down the first painted rock.
Members of the local community helped Stacy dig the trench after she contacted North Lincolnshire Council to enquire about making the snake a permanent feature. The café helped by storing the stones before they were cemented in.
“We live in Bottesford and often go running, walking or cycling down the Beck,” said Stacy.
“Our seven-year-old son enjoyed looking at the snake grow, counting them and adding his joke to the plaque that is to be placed there.”
Cllr John Davison, Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities (Ashby, Bottesford & Scunthorpe), said: “Strong and connected communities are what helped us get through lockdown and are what will help us adapt to changing times ahead.
“The snake is a welcome addition to Bottesford Beck and I want to thank Stacy, Adam and the Bottesford community for the resilience they have shown.”
A plaque is being constructed to be displayed alongside Charlie which will say: This rock snake was created by our community during Lockdown 2020. It shows our support for each other when we had to be apart. As we looked at the growing snake whilst walking along the Beck, we knew we had the support of each other.
What do you call a snake with no clothes on? – Snaked
