Giant statue set to be erected in Lurgan

Demolition work began this week on the Lurgan site – the former toilets building in the town centre – and preparatory work will begin soon in Portadown, adjacent to Northway at West Street.

In fact, it brings to an end almost six years of talk and inaction since the statues were first mooted prior to the two towns’ public realms work.

At that stage, finance was not available for the 12-foot high structures, which cost £62,000, plus the contract work which will add up to £177,000. But they were finally ordered in January 2009, delivered in June the following year and have lain inert at the council’s Carn depot ever since.

The Lurgan masterpiece mirrors that town’s linen history, while the Portadown statues reflect the area’s apple industry.

Alderman Arnold Hatch, who has consistently criticised the delay, said, “Better late than never. These are two superb sculptures and I’m delighted they are at last being set in place. The Lurgan work is going ahead, and there is some subterranean electrical work to be done in Portadown.”