Pub bomb memorial trees

THREE huge steel trees are to be erected outside Grand Central in lasting memory of the Birmingham pub bombings victims.

The sculptures are being designed as a permanent memorial to those killed and injured following the atrocities on November 21, 1974.

Each tree will bear seven leaves, making a total of 21 – one for each life lost – and will stand around 15 feet high.

Plans were approved on September 3 and are being led by Network Rail, the Birmingham Irish Association and the families of victims.

The trees will be constructed outside New Street Station’s Eastern Plaza, just yards from where the bombs were detonated at The Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town pubs.

Each tree will replace the mounted planters which currently occupy the public access near to the TK Maxx store on Smallbrook Queensway, directly outside the giant eye digital advertising screen.

“Three sculptural steel trees have been designed to provide a permanent memorial to those killed and injured, within the city centre close to the location of the two pubs targeted in the bombings,” say the organisers of the tribute. “Names of the 21 victims will be etched into the steelwork leaves. Seating will be incorporated into the base of two of the sculptures to provide space for quiet contemplation and rest in this otherwise busy plaza area.”

The artist tasked with crafting the trees is Anu Patel, who already has a number of works on display across the West Midlands.

Her work includes the Aspire sculpture at Hawthorns Railway Station and The Peacock at Sandwell and Dudley Railway Station.