WHEN the Tour de France zooms through Maidstone it will take something special to fix the town in the world’s memory.

And, with your help, the answer could be Shorn the Sheep.

The Kent Messenger believes that the iconic giant floral sheep could be an eye-grabbing centrepiece when the Tour comes to town on Sunday, July 8.

The newspaper wants to bring him back. But the it is is leaving the ultimate decision to its readers and asking them to vote.

Shorn has been a controversial figure for the town but his presence could help grab the attention of a huge television audience that will tune in for the first stage of the race, passing through Maidstone on its way to the finish line in Canterbury

He could also provide a much-needed boost to the lower High Street, described as “the most derelict part of Maidstone” at a traders’ meeting last week.

Thousands of tourists are expected to gather nearby to watch the race as it comes down Fairmeadow, over the bridge and up the Tonbridge Road. Spectators can then follow the riders’ progress on a giant screen near the river.

Town centre bosses admit that they are concerned at the number of closed shops in the area.

The most recent closures include Pizza Hit, Mediterrano, Frobishers and Cycle Mart, while the former Hill House Hammond insurance firm has been closed for about two years.

On July 8, the area will be filled with children’s fairground rides, part of a festival to celebrate the Tour.

Elsewhere, there will be a craft and food market and street entertainers, but town centre bosses admit that the lower High Street will be a “focal point” and are worried it may put people off returning at a later date.

The giant floral sheep is currently stored at Grafty Green Garden Centre in Lenham.

It has previously lived in Fairmeadow, Maidstone High Street and at the entrance to The Mall Chequers bus depot. Grafty Green, Shorn’s owners, have confirmed that it would be possible to bring him back.

And the idea has also been backed by town centre manager Bill Moss. He said: “Shorn divides the town. Some love him and some don’t.

“I think he is one of the best things to have happened to the town in many a year and the idea has our full backing.”

Kent County Council and South and South East in Bloom organisers have also launched a Tour de France category this summer to encourage community groups, schools and other organisations to put their artistic skills to the test.