Public to help shape replacement for stolen statue
GoogleA new statue has been commissioned to replace one that was damaged and later stolen from a town centre in Derbyshire.
The clock statue featuring three industrial workers commemorating Staveley's mining and engineering heritage was damaged when thieves broke into a construction site last November, and then parts of it were stolen a month later.
Chesterfield Borough Council is now asking the community to help create a new statue, incorporating the original plinth and clock which were not taken, to celebrate the town's past.
The authority said it will appoint an artist, who plans to host workshops and events for residents to help shape the new design.
The original statue, created by Michael Grevatte, showed three workers from railways, mining, and steel, and was unveiled at the market place by the Mayor of Chesterfield in 1992.
The theft was reported to police, but it was not found.
The council said it was not possible to recreate the work due to its "bespoke nature", adding the new landmark will be placed in the heart of the town centre.
'Tribute to proud past'
The town centre has undergone a major transformation following a £6m regeneration project, funded through the Staveley Town Deal.
Tom Sewell, director of the regeneration contractor Stepnell, which is funding the new statue, said: "It was alarming to see the poignant industrial heritage statue stolen.
"While retaining former elements, we want to ensure the community plays a central role in shaping the new statue and look forward to being involved in bringing this to life."
Kate Sarvent, the council's cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said the landmark celebrated Staveley's "proud industrial heritage", and the theft was "deeply upsetting" for the community.
"In its place we feel it's appropriate to create something new and unique for the town that continues to pay tribute to its proud past," she said.
"We want the new statue to be developed in collaboration with the local community so they can provide their views during the design process, and we can create something that reflects the town's history and that the whole community can be proud of."
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