Statues stripped of their dignity

The large statues were commissioned last year and were due to be placed in prominent town centre locations to mark the end of the public realm works.

However, one local resident has expressed his concern that the statues have been stripped of their dignity.

Council say the statues are being safely stored and have been positioned according to the sculptor’s advice.

He said: “I was driving past the Carn depot when I saw the statues.

“It’s a shame they’re just sitting there not covered, not dignified whatsoever. They’re lying on the ground like something ready to be dumped.”

It’s understood the statue for Lurgan is of two figures holding a piece of linen flax between them. The Portadown statue is holding an apple.

The man commented: “My grandson likes the Transformers and the big statues lying there looked like something out of that movie.”

A council spokesperson said: “The statues that have been created to feature in both Lurgan and Portadown town centres as part of the public realm development are currently being safely stored at Craigavon Borough Council’s Carn depot.

“Created by renowned sculpture artist Maurice Harron, the statues were delivered to Carn two weeks ago by the artist himself and his experienced transporter. The statues were craned into position and covered, as advised by Maurice Harron.”

The spokesperson added: “The statues are made of steel and are very robust to withstand all weather conditions.

“A site analysis will soon be carried out to determine the location of the statues in each town and when they will be installed.”