Statue plan is revealed

Ambitious plans to build a huge sculpture in Kidderminster town centre have been unveiled.

The town's Heritage Opportunities Group is in the early stages of planning the new landmark but they hope the design will feature the town's historic 'Policeman in the pulpit' as well as depicting some of Kidderminster's famous trades.

If given the go ahead, the sculpture would stand at the junction of Vicar Street and High Street with the Bull Ring.

Kidderminster was once well known for its 'pulpit' in the town centre within which a policeman would stand to direct traffic.

Funding has not yet been agreed for the project but the Heritage Opportunities Group is keen to gauge public opinion on the proposed statue.

They will be holding a consultation event for residents to put their views forward next weekend.

The open event, on September 12, will form part of a Heritage Day in the town. This is being held to coincide with the nationwide Heritage Open Days being run by English heritage in a bid to get more people visiting their local historic attractions.

Chairman of the Heritage Opportunities Group Councillor Ken Stokes said: "It is proposed that the installation will feature the 'Policeman in the Pulpit' which was part of the town for many years and perhaps and some of the trades of the town.

"Part of the process in moving this exciting project to completion is a public consultation."

During Heritage Day, Kidderminster Town Hall will be open from 10am and members of the Heritage Opportunities Group will be on hand to listen to residents' opinions and will also be handing out surveys.

The policeman in the pulpit was a popular fixture in the town during the 1950s and 60s, before the ring road was built in the early 1970s. This marked the start of a complete overhaul of Kidderminster Town Centre.