Famous stolen statue set to return
A FAMOUS statue which had been in a town for more than 90 years before it was stolen is set to return. Bronze statue Sappho, which was the work of sculptor Thomas Maclean and represented a Greek poetess, had stood in Howard Park and Gardens in Letchworth
A FAMOUS statue which had been in a town for more than 90 years before it was stolen is set to return.
Bronze statue Sappho, which was the work of sculptor Thomas Maclean and represented a Greek poetess, had stood in Howard Park and Gardens in Letchworth GC since 1907 but was stolen a decade ago and never recovered.
North Herts District Council (NHDC) is planning to renovate the gardens and intends to commission a copy of the statue, which will be installed on its former site.
Plans for the gardens also include improvements to the paddling pool, a new play area and public toilets, better access and landscaping.
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The work will take into account the historic value of the gardens, which were first laid out in 1905.
Among the original features to be restored will be the wooden curved seating around the pool.
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Park owners NHDC will submit a detailed bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund in March next year and expects to hear if it has been successful next September.