Campaigners have issued a desperate appeal to help fund a £70,000 statue of Christopher Marlowe in the centre of Canterbury.

The famous playwright - who was born and bred in the city - is to be immortalised in an iron sculpture beside the St George’s clocktower.

But in order for the delayed project to become a reality, those behind the plans require much-needed cash.

While members of the Christopher Marlowe Statue Committee begin a big push for funding, sculptor Steven Portchmouth - the designer of the Tannery Field bull - is making a prototype of the final piece.

Planning permission for the larger-than-life statue was granted in December last year, but question marks over its envisaged location have since been raised.

Virginia Webb, chairwoman of the committee, said: “It’s all got a bit tangled up with the council’s Levelling Up bid as they’ve suggested having the statue moved elsewhere.

“They want to create a Marlowe story garden at Solly’s Orchard, so suggested moving it there.

“While it’s a nice place, it’s not central - it isn’t the high street. We have planning permission for the spot next to the clocktower, and that’s where we hope to have him.

“He was baptised at St George’s Church, where the clocktower remains, and he was born very nearby. So that’s the best place.

“It’s just all rather up in the air at the moment.”

Council leader Ben Fitter-Harding confirmed to the Gazette the proposed move was just a suggestion and the statue can still take pride of place in the high street.

He says council officers remain in discussions with the committee to consider all options.

Hopeful it can be installed at the clocktower, Dr Webb says the statue will be a “wonderful way of celebrating” Marlowe.

“He doesn’t get the credit he deserves,” she said.

“You have the theatre and the Marlowe Kit building, but people are not aware of his importance. Lots of people in Canterbury don’t know of his significance - he was a terribly important character.”

The dramatist was a big influence on William Shakespeare, and is even suspected by some of having a hand in some of the Bard’s works.

As well as his literary accomplishments, Marlowe, who died from a dagger to the forehead at the age of just 29, is thought to have been a secret spy for the government.

In the statue, Marlowe will be holding up the masks of Tragedy and Comedy, while also grasping a dagger as he fears an approach from his left.

The rusting-style figure will stand on a plinth that allows for seating around the base, and Marlowe’s famous poem ‘Come Live With Me and Be My Love’ is to be engraved around the bottom.

It is planned to become a landmark that can be used as a “social meeting or even trysting point”, and is hoped to be graffiti-proof.

“We need £70,000 but it could cost more and we don’t know what the final bill will be,” Dr Webb added.

“We’re asking people for any amount to donate, whether it be £5, £10, £100, or more.

“This statue is something which will last forever, and help Canterbury recognise Marlowe for the great man he was.”

To express an interest in donating or to offer help with the fundraising, email marlowestatue@gmail.com