Workington’s Uppies and Downies statues will be repaired
Last updated at 14:18, Friday, 11 January 2013
Workington’s damaged Uppies and Downies statues looks set to return to public display.
Coun Barbara Cannon, deputy leader of Allerdale council, said a local craftsman had agreed to do the repair work and the council was waiting for a contract to be signed.
It had been feared that the Uppies statue, which stood outside Workington Hall, could be lost for good after the council struggled to find somebody with suitable skills to repair the coal-black figures.
The artwork, in honour of the traditional Easter mass football game, has been in storage for over a year after the head was broken off one of its three figures and another was snapped off its plinth at the ankles.
The statue was one of a pair created by Maryport sculptor Colin Telfer before failing eyesight forced him to give up the trade.
The iron-ore coloured Downies statue, located at the town harbour, has also suffered minor damage.
Coun Cannon said the council would consult with ward councillors and organisations such as Workington Heritage Group to agree suitable new locations for the artworks.
She would like to see them moved from the traditional hailing points to a busier town centre location where they will be less vulnerable.
Coun Cannon said: “The heritage groups and the people who play Uppies and Downies are very proud of our heritage.”
First published at 14:06, Friday, 11 January 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk
Move the statues - don't let them be damaged any further.
Have your say
Absolute waste of public funds UNLESS they are moved into the town centre where they won't get damaged. Leave them where they are and we will be back to square one within weeks. A sad indictment on our town but a fact of life. One day these brainless morons will realise that such things are there for everyone's enjoyment and not put there to be damaged
Posted by Richard on 17 January 2013 at 17:54