By KATHERINE LAWTON
Published: 02:50 EST, 10 October 2024 | Updated: 03:43 EST, 10 October 2024
Woke bosses of a building society have axed Robin Hood from their logo because they feel the hero outlaw does not reflect the firm’s ‘financial diversity’.
Nottingham Building Society replaced the Sherwood Forest hero, who stole from the rich to give to the poor, with a black squiggly line forming an N surrounded by a green background.
Former Tory minister Sir Alec Shelbrooke hit back at the decision last night, stating: ‘There’s nothing more English than the story of Robin Hood – the classic folklore legend.
‘Again, this is the madness of woke culture taking over.’
Meanwhile, customers of the building society branded the new logo ‘ridiculous’ and a ‘waste of money’.
One person wrote on X, formerly Twitter: ‘I preferred the old logo. Haven’t you always been evolving over the last 175 years?’
The Nottingham’s old logo (pictured) was based on the 12th century legend Robin Hood
The new logo is a black squiggly line forming an N surrounded by a green background
Sherwood Forest legend Robin Hood stole from the rich to give to the poor
The new branding involves bright colours and is much more modern in appearance
Customers of the building society branded the new logo ‘ridiculous’ and a ‘waste of money’
Another said: ‘Robin Hood’s been cancelled then in the name of diversity. I note the Nottingham Guy Fawkes night bonfire has also been cancelled.’
A third added: ‘This logo is ridiculous. Means nothing about Nottingham or the building society. It doesn’t stand out, doesn’t mean anything… waste of money in my eyes!
‘Ruined a well known brand and what is wrong with celebrating/using a well known English legend!’
Robin, from the 12th century, is said to have lived with his band of Merry Men and regularly rescued Maid Marian.
Robin Hood has been recreated in countless films and cartoon productions over the years
A cartoon adaptation of Sherwood Forest legend Robin Hood
The society has created a new advert to celebrate the new branding
The new branding involves bright new colours including pink, yellow and green
The legend became part of the building society’s iconic logo in the 1980s.
A spokesman for the society said: ‘We are incredibly proud of our roots and 175 years of history in Nottingham. We celebrate that, while recognising that people today have a much broader range of financial needs than ever before and it is important that we meet their needs.
‘We are proud to be a building society, reflecting our long heritage and focus on our members, and bringing that back into our name is a hugely positive step.
‘Our new look reflects our commitment to building for the future, for both our customers in Nottingham and those right across the UK.’