A BRONZE statue depicting a mythological rape has finally found a new home at the mayor of Southend's official residence.

The controversial statue of Leda and the Swan was specially commissioned by Southend Council in the Sixties and first stood outside the courthouse in Victoria Avenue.

Later it was moved to the Civic Square and then to the courtyard of the Palace Theatre, in Westcliff. Later, it was moved to the Civic Centre when it caused outrage among staff.

Workers claimed the statue, representing the rape of Leda by the Greek god Zeus disguised as a swan, glorified rape as an art form.

Last week, the statue was removed from the Civic Centre and is now at the mayor's residence, Porters, in Southend.

Rob Tinlin, Southend Council's chief executive and town clerk, said : "The statue of Leda and the Swan was located at the Civic Centre until a suitable location was found.

"The statue is permanently on display in the garden of the mayor's residence, Porters in Southchurch Road.

"It is in an appropriately landscaped area next to the pond."