Jo Brand returns to Streatham for library opening two years after 'sh**hole' gaffe on Have I Got News For You

 
New library: councillor Sally Prentice with comedian Jo Brand and councillor Lib Peck
David Tett
Rachel Blundy26 March 2014

Jo Brand has returned to Streatham for a community library opening almost two years after she called it a 'sh**hole' on national television.

The acid-tongued comedian, 56, was the star guest at the unveiling of the new Streatham Tate library on Streatham High Road, which has received a £1.4million refurbishment.

Back in April 2012, Brand referred to the town centre as a 'sh**hole' during an appearance on BBC One's Have I Got News for You.

Her remarks sparked a backlash from residents and council officials who complained to the BBC, as well as a local newspaper campaign to promote the area.

Speech: Jo Brand at the event (Picture: David Tett)
David Tett

Town centre manager Angelina Purcell claimed Brand had caused "serious damage" to her efforts to transform the area's image, adding it had made her job "ten times harder".

Brand later apologised for her comments, saying there was no "serious intent" behind them.

Streatham Hill councillor Jeremy Clyne, who attended the event today, said: "She made a joke of it and got a big laugh when she said she was 'quite surprised' to be asked to do the opening.

"She apologised if she had upset people, it was something she said wherever she goes. 'I can’t tell you how much I love Streatham,' she said."

Local events organiser Anna Nolan said: "People said she did a really lovely speech. I took a picture of her with some kids who said 'We love Streatham' and she said 'So do I'."

A spokeswoman for Ms Brand said she was not available for comment.

The library refurbishment, which took six months to complete, was boosted by a £300,000 subsidy from the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund.

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Councillor Sally Prentice, Lambeth cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: "The library was incredibly popular before the refurb and will be even more so now."

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