A campaign has been launched to save Angel Central’s famous wings sculpture – by a 10-year-old girl.

Islington Gazette: An artist's impression of the planned Angel Central redevelopment. Picture: Cunning PlanAn artist's impression of the planned Angel Central redevelopment. Picture: Cunning Plan (Image: Archant)

Year 5 pupil Olivia Gordon Clark is fighting bosses of the shopping centre over their plans to remove the massive figure.

In September, Angel Central applied for planning permission for an £8million redevelopment of the concourse. It includes removal of the wings, which are said to be “dated”.

But young activist Olivia, who has lived around the corner in Cloudesley Road all her life, said they are “beautiful” and that the money should be given to charity instead.

This week, after three afternoons of canvassing, she had gathered 67 petition signatures as part of her “Save our Wings” campaign.

Olivia told the Gazette: “I first heard about the wings coming down from one of your articles. It made me so upset.

“I told my grandma about it and she told me about a boy in Islington who once set up a petition to save a slide. My mum showed me how to make the petition, and I then went round knocking on people’s doors near where I live to tell them about it.

“Most of them were shocked. They had no idea the wings were coming down. Most people I spoke to were very cross, and wanted to support me. It felt really nice.

Islington Gazette: Olivia Gordon Clark, 10, is campaigning to save the 'beautiful' Angel Central wings sculpture. Picture: Polly HancockOlivia Gordon Clark, 10, is campaigning to save the 'beautiful' Angel Central wings sculpture. Picture: Polly Hancock (Image: Archant)

“I think the wings are really beautiful. I have lived in Islington all my life. They are part of me. What’s the point in naming this part of town ‘Angel’ when they want to take down the wings of an angel?

“It will cost a lot of money to take them down. It would be nice if that money went to a charity, as they really need it more. I just want to make more people aware.”

Angel Central did not respond after being contacted by the Gazette on Tuesday.

The sculpture was installed in 2003, but Angel Central wants to remove it as it “does not reflect the quality of the retailers who occupy the centre”.

Under the planned development, space vacated by the wings would be taken up by a bridge linking both sides of the centre’s mezzanine, with room for three more restaurants. Angel Central hailed it as an “incredible project”.

A date has yet to be set for Islington Council to consider the application.

For information about Olivia’s campaign, email saveourwings@gmail.com