Sir Frank Whittle jet plane refurbished
Iconic replica given £20,000 makeover
AN ICONIC replica of the first British jet designed in Lutterworth has been given a £20,000 refurbishment.
Major repair work to the Sir Frank Whittle plane has been carried out, prolonging its life for at least 10 years.
The future of the Gloster E.28/39 aircraft was thrown into doubt earlier in the year when the Sir Frank Whittle Trust announced it could no longer afford to maintain its upkeep.
But thanks to generous donations from local businesses and a £12,000 grant from Harborough District Council as well as £1,000 from Lutterworth Town Council, remedial work could be completed.
Edward Hemsley, chairman of the Sir Frank Whittle Trust, said: “The jet plane replica has been restored to its former state and it once again acts as a beacon to the pioneering work of Sir Frank Whittle and his associations with Lutterworth and continues to provide an interesting and distinctive gateway to south Leicestershire.
“The Trust is appreciative of the work undertaken by the main contractors Messrs Whittle Programmed Painting.
“The estimated cost of the work was around £20,000 and without the help of donors and the support of the public, the Trust would not have been able to meet its goal.”
He thanked all of the firms who helped fund the project and singled out county and district councillor Rosita Page for her support.
The replica aircraft has been in place in the centre of a Lutterworth roundabout since 2003.
The statue, at the junction of Rugby Road and the bypass, honours the achievements of Sir Frank Whittle, the pioneer behind the jet engine who worked in the town between 1936 and 1943.
The £40,000 statue was installed by the Sir Frank Whittle Trust, which is responsible for its upkeep, but it is owned by Harborough District Council.
Mr Hemsley has previously said the group can no longer be responsible for the plane due to the “age, health and personal circumstances” of its members.
He said the “next step” is to discuss the future responsibility with the district council.