A FAMILY of statues have marked the completion of the final phase of work to transform an area of green space in Blacon.
Children from the nearby Arches Primary School have put the final touches to the steel structures at the Blacon Old Station Site.
The site and the adjacent Greenway Cycle and Footpath have been the subject of a transformation over the last three years, with a major improvement project managed by Sustainable Blacon Limited and Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC), who also provided financial support along with the Big Lottery fund and WREN.
The new artworks were largely created by local artist Russell Kirk with support from young people in Blacon during the autumn of last year.
The statue design was based on ideas generated in workshop sessions with young people from the Delta Centre in Blacon.
Russell used the designs to fabricate the steel structure at the core of the statues and then worked with other local school children during last November and December to weave green willow over the core steel to create the final feature.
“It was great working with the young people,” said Russell, “especially on the Greenway itself, where we also had lots of hands-on help and words of encouragement from so many passers-by.
“It is great to see how much the area is used and enjoyed, by people of all ages.”
The final touches to the statues were added by The Arches School class 3 pupils Ella Evans, Callum Whitfield, Adam Griffiths and Amy Pinches.
Ella said: “It was really good fun helping Russell. The willow was very springy, but still quite hard to bend around the metal frame, especially when our hands got cold.”
Headteacher Michelle Ashfield said: “We have really enjoyed being involved in so many ways over the last two years with the wonderful improvements carried out on the site.
“Pupils from the Arches played a key role in the original designs to improve the Greenway and Old Station site. They have helped with a wildlife survey, planted spring bulbs in the area and are very proud of their contribution to the mosaic at the centre of the site.”
The new statues can be seen on the Greenway between Egerton Road and Saughall Road bridges.