Broken memorial removed for repairs

A sculpture destroyed by a 14-tonne lorry was carefully removed from a roundabout in Telford today.

The memorial to Telford's miners has stood on Granville Roundabout in Donnington for the last 12 years.

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Earlier today the remains of the sculpture were removed and transported to a workshop at Ironbridge Power Station so experts can access the extent of the damage.

The iron sculpture depicting a miner with a pony and cart was initially sited at Granville Country Park. It was created by Madeley artist Gerry Foxall, 72, who spent months making the memorial. On Monday morning the sculpture was destroyed when a lorry drove onto the island and ploughed straight into the 20-year-old piece of art.

Mr Foxall's son David, 38, who helped to build the sculpture, said his father had been shocked by the news. He said: "He is in hospital at the moment and this is the last thing that he needs. He was very, very shocked when he heard about it.

"It took us five months to do but I will be helping with the restoration of it."

Councillor Stephen Bentley, council cabinet member for the environment, said: "The damage is currently being assessed to determine whether it can be repaired and what the estimated cost would be to do so."

Mr Foxall's granddaughter Mel Evans said: "Telford & Wrekin Council are being so helpful, organising its move and restoration and our family can't thank them enough. Ironbridge Power Station have also very kindly agreed to house the sculpture whilst it is being restored."