Health and safety issues raised as statues get mixed reception

Following complaints, the council was asked a number of questions, and in particular for the council’s view on health and safety issues and flag flying. A spokesperson replied: “We’re delighted to see the statues have generated great interest, they certainly have got people talking. They are currently being erected in both town centres. We are planning an official unveiling of both statues and will provide more details in due course. The Lurgan Group of statues cost £62,500 in total to fabricate with £37,500 funding from the Arts Council and £25,000 from Council; exactly the same amount for Portadown. DSD provided funding of £177,862 to install both groups of statues in both towns which in Lurgan involved the demolition of the former YMCA building and in Portadown inclusion of six carparking bays and new footpaths.”

A second statement said: “Health and safety for the statues is top priority as per all Council projects. The sites are under construction and currently not open to members of the public and if there are any health and safety issues they will be addressed.”