A statue of Greta Thunberg has been removed from outside the University of Winchester’s West Down Centre.
The statue will be shifted from the busy concourse on Romsey Road.
It has been reported that the sculpture is going to be moved and re-installed in a less-visited courtyard located near the building.
The statue, titled Make a Difference, has been the subject of much attention since its installation.
Anti-social behaviour against the carving has been noted as a particular problem on campus.
The structure has now become slightly unstable, leading the UK’s 96th ranked university to relocate the statue.
The statue of the climate change campaigner was unveiled in 2021.
The University of Winchester received criticism and was even accused of “greenwashing”.
There was further outcry when it was revealed it cost £23,760 to erect the statue.
Then-Winchester Student Union president Megan Ball said Thunberg was a "fantastic role model to everyone, as someone who speaks loudly and proudly about important global issues" even though the union could not support the sculpture.
She said: "We're in a Covid year, lots of students haven't really had access to campus, lots of them are trying to study online and are in dire need of support.
"We are calling on the university to match the statue cost by committing £23,760 in additional funding to student support services across campus.
"We urge them to publicly face the critical issues which students are highlighting and provide a transparent breakdown of additional and existing financial support."
Winchester University and College Union also passed a motion lamenting the structure as a “vanity project”.
A University of Winchester spokesperson said: “The removal has taken place to provide a more stable plinth for the statue so it can be enjoyed for years to come.
“The statue, along with other works of art on campus, is a popular destination for visitors to our campus.
“We will be delighted to continue welcoming anyone who wishes to view it once the work is completed.
“The statue’s new location in the courtyard garden in the University's West Downs Centre is fully accessible by the public along with our cafes and shop.”
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