Owl’s well that ends well

The new owl sculpture

A TREASURED Lees landmark has been restored to its former glory as an early Christmas present for local residents.

The Fox and Owl sculpture on Lees Road was hit by vandals in November, 2009 when heavy-duty cutting equipment was used to remove the owl.

Since then the lonely fox, installed in 1995, has been staring into empty space. Good-humoured locals even had a hoot by replacing the missing owl with substitutes including a plastic duck and a meerkat.

But now a replacement owl carved by professional sculptor Richard Janes has been unveiled by Oldham Council. The carving was funded by the Forestry Commission and will sit on a new quality piece of timber thanks to a generous donation from a local resident.

Councillor Jean Stretton, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “I’m sure local residents will be delighted to see the fox and owl restored.

“It has been heart-warming to see different people and groups all pulling together here to find a solution to the problem.”

Another new replacement owl, made by Lydgate farmer John Heathcote, will also find a home at the Leesbrook Nature Park.