Cardinal Newman statue being stored in paint shop

An unfinished sculpture that was blessed by the Pope is being stored in the Black Country while a permanent home is sought.

Cradley Heath artist Timothy Tolkien designed the statue of The Blessed John Henry Newman which was blessed by the Pope during his visit to Birmingham in September last year.

However, the sculpture, which was set to go on permanent display at Cofton Park where the Papal Mass was held, is still waiting to be finished and is being stored in an industrial paint shop in Tipton.

The delay in finishing the project has been blamed on public donations drying up and Birmingham City Council is now set to foot the bill for the artwork.

Original plans to erect the statue in Cofton Park are set to be shelved due to fears of vandalism with other options being considered including the historic Birmingham Oratory on Hagley Road.