Locals left terrified as ‘creepy’ giant baby installed in town centre

Locals in Rochdale have been left feeling “freaked out” after an enormous baby puppet was installed in their town centre.

The giant baby – labelled “creepy” by some, but whose real name is Lilly – has been set down in the town’s Town Hall Square as part of a climate change education push for children.

The nearly 10-metre-high infant can even open and close its eyes – but residents have called it “terrifying” and “so horrifying”.

Despite the local reception, the council has been keen to talk up the gargantuan taxpayer-funded child.

Announcing the arrival of Lilly, Rochdale Borough Council said: “Rochdale welcomed a special guest today: a baby girl who made a surprise visit to Rochdale town hall!

“Lilly, the 8.5-metre baby, will be part of the Wild Wanders event next month.

“After waking up to meet local children, they sang to her and she was soon back asleep.

“She’s invited hundreds of local schoolchildren to come and meet her this week to find out what they think about the future of our environment.”

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Councillor Sue Smith heaped praise on the “creepy” baby, saying: “The response from the children to Lilly has been incredible, and their excitement was wonderful to witness.

“Interest in Wild Wanders has been overwhelming, with thousands of tickets selling out in just a few hours.

“It’s vital to spark conversations about climate change and empower Rochdale’s children to envision a better world. I eagerly await Lilly’s return next month; it promises to be a magical experience.”

But locals weren’t so sure.

One told BBC Radio Manchester: “I came around the corner and I thought: ‘It’s just creepy with its eyes shut, never mind open.'”

On social media, one commentator labelled Lilly “a waste of money and a stupid idea” while another questioned why the council had spent money on “something that awful” while environmental authorities could be “fining fly-tippers instead”.

The council have hit back, however, saying: “Lucky the baby is a puppet or she would be upset by that comment. This is an event for young children and they love her, the response has been fantastic.”