Vandals strike Wigan statues again

ONCE again vandals have struck the Wigan canal side statues, this time one has been decapitated.

When first erected the four statues were damaged, then one stolen, and it was two years ago that they were reinstated, but vandals have struck once again, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Removed permanently

The two iconic workers were created with lottery money, but as no more money is available, the remaining statue of the mill worker sitting on a bench overlooking the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Trencherfield Mill, will now have to be removed permanently.

It was two years ago that three of the statues came under attack, with one disappearing for a time, only to be discovered in the canal. Another was damaged beyond repair, but the council and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust were able to secure further funding to have the remaining ones repaired, strengthened and then replaced.

Reinforced

A blend of glass fibre, concrete and metal bars was used to reinforce them against any further attacks, but it seems it was not enough.

The head of the damaged statue cannot be found, and it is believed it has been kept as a trophy by the vandals.