Heine's shark marks 18th

From the archive, first published Tuesday 10th Aug 2004.

THE Headington Shark celebrated its 18th anniversary yesterday (Monday, August 9).

The 25ft fibreglass structure was put up on the roof of Radio Oxford presenter Bill Heine's house in New High Street on August 9, 1986, without planning permission.

After a long planning battle he was given permission by the then planning minister, Banbury MP Tony Baldry, to keep the sculpture.

Artist John Buckley, who created the shark, visited the house yesterday as part of the celebrations.

The Oxford Mail reported last year that Mr Heine's neighbours had voiced concerns about the building's state.

Yesterday, 18th birthday cards had been put up in the front windows and Mr Heine posed for television cameras. He declined to comment on the anniversary, or the house, which appeared to have had some repairs carried out.

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