PLANS to erect a statue to a town's most famous son - former AC/DC frontman Bon Scott - have been hit by a poll of citizens who say they do not want him standing in the main square.

The Highway to Hell legend was born in Kirriemuir, in Angus, but moved to Australia with his family when he was six. The singer and lyricist, who died in 1980 aged 33 after a night of partying in London, is celebrated every year with a music festival in Kirriemuir. Hundreds of heavy metal fans from all over the world have descended every May Day weekend since 2006.

The statue, which depicts the singer with bagpipes over his shoulder, was due to be unveiled at this year's "Bonfest", but had to be delayed due to council plans to redevelop the statue's proposed surroundings.

Now a poll carried out by the local community council has revealed that 78 per cent of those who responded are against the statue being put up in the square - which already has one of Peter Pan, erected in honour of another of Kirriemuir's famous sons, JM Barrie.

A council spokesman described the findings as "a consensus of dislike". Comments expressed included one resident arguing that Bon Scott shouldn't be given a place of honour as he was "no role model".