Nerys Mooney, of the Belle Epoque, plans to put a wrought iron black gate outside the courtyard near the King Street restaurant's entrance

"It is not only the statue we've had problems with, but the whole courtyard," she said.

"Everything we have ever put there has been stolen or damaged."

Last month three youths smashed the head off the statue bought by the Mooneys only a week earlier.

Plant pots have also been stolen and men have even been caught urinating in the courtyard.

"It seems to be the mentality in this country for people to damage things after they come out of the pubs at night," said Mrs Mooney.

A gate has hung at the listed building before and now the restaurant wants planning permission to put it back.

Mrs Mooney hopes it will deter people from climbing into the courtyard where the newly repaired statue - bought for the millennium - now stands

"It will be our contribution to the millennium celebrations in the town that will hopefully stay after we are gone," she said.

The proposal is now being examined by Macclesfield borough planning officers.

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