Middleton town centre artwork becomes safety concern

Artwork in Middleton Town Centre has become a safety concern to local residents after part of the £100,000 piece became loose.

The artwork, which celebrates Middleton’s history, was only unveiled four years ago, but one of the upright steel banners was seen flapping in the wind by shoppers last week.

The artwork is made up of 30 slabs paying tribute to famous townsfolk and events. There are eight laser cut metal panels at the top of four poles. It is the metal panel which contains the Middleton coat of arms that has become loose.

Located on a piece of land between Middleton Shopping Centre and the Tesco superstore, it is understood that the piece may now need strengthening to prevent further damage.

Concerns were raised by local residents as the piece that was loose last week was above a pedestrian crossing used by hundreds of people on a daily basis.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said: “We have been made aware of the damage and are attending the site to make sure the installation is safe.”

Tim Ruston’s artwork was chosen by councillors for the centre piece of the re-designed town centre in spring 2010. It celebrates Middleton’s past and has references to Edgar Wood and poet Samuel Bamford.