Hatton Park's Homer Simpson brings a 'smile in challenging times'

The much-loved Hatton Park Homer Simpson has made an appearance to help 'bring a smile in challenging times'.

The inflatable Homer normally makes an appearance around Christmas time but owner Gareth Powell with his friend Andy decided to bring him out to make people smile during the coronavirus outbreak.

To help keep Homer safe Gareth also gave him a face mask.

Gareth said: "We have lived on Hatton Park for 20 years and love the people and the place.

"Homer has been a feature on Hatton Park at Christmas for around 15 years.

"He usually goes on top of the garage and people use his lights to guide taxis and take sways to their homes or as a guide home when slightly worse for wear after a fun night in the Hatton Arms.

"Myself and my good friend Andy from K9 Club put him up on Sunday to bring some happiness to Hatton Park and to bring a smile in challenging times.

"The mask is obviously there to keep Homer safe."

Homer has been attracting attention from residents with many taking photos.

Gareth said: "People have been stopping and smiling or taking photos. He got a huge number of likes on Facebook when Andy shared him - much better reaction than the early years when someone shot him with an air rifle as he wasn’t in keeping with the area.

"Homer is up until the crisis is over provided he doesn’t start showing any symptoms.

"Stay safe and in doors as much as you can people. And when this is over let’s have one hell of a party. Homer will be at the Arms that day."