THE EAGLE HASN’T LANDED – AFTER THREE YEARS OF WRANGLING
A FOUR-METRE high eagle sculpture is still looking for a landing spot – more than three years after plans were unveiled.
Eccleshall Parish Council approved plans to install the street art on a roundabout at the entrance to a new housing estate on the edge of the town in 2018.
But road safety issues were later raised and an alternative spot was proposed on the verge next to the Sancerre Grange development off Stafford Road.
A fresh application to locate the statue on the verge was submitted by the parish council in 2019.
But last month it was withdrawn after councillors were told they would be unable to site the statue at the spot.
Now the parish council is calling on residents to suggest a new home for the eagle.
Parish council chairman Peter Jones said: “Letters and emails of support have been received from residents and the Ecclian Society. Grants towards the cost of the statue were received from Bovis and county councillor Jeremy Pert, who helped with the early negotiations.
“The parish council has now appointed Councillor Gordon Dale as the man to locate a suitable site and make recommendations to the council.”
A design statement from the parish council said: “The street art will be commissioned from a recognised local sculptor who has undertaken many previous commissions, many placed on or adjacent to public highways.
“The eagle – a shape and form already synonymous with Eccleshall – will be mounted on a galvanised pole to ensure that it does not become an exciting proposition for people to climb up, while offering passers-by the opportunity to be uplifted by the beauty of the street art.”
Not everyone has welcomed the statue plans however.
A Green Lane resident who objected to the latest planning application said: “It serves no purpose to be situated alongside a bus shelter and immediately in front of the modern houses, let alone being a distraction to drivers.
“It was commissioned to be central in a roundabout – siting it at the side of the road will just look like there was nowhere better.”
A Stafford Road resident said: “I do not wish to see an eagle directly opposite my house, which would be in line with my front window.
“Traffic approaching the roundabout in the evening ignores the speed limit. To add another distraction at the side of the road is an accident waiting to happen.
“Surely the eagle would be better placed at Pershall Park, where an eagle at least has some relevance?” ■ Residents are invited to send suggestions for the site the Councillor Dale at gordon.dale@ eccleshallparishcouncil.co.uk or in writing to 74 High Street, Eccleshall.