Deadline for statue nominations nearing

TIME is running out for Royston residents to nominate the local characters they feel should be immortalised in a statue project.

As part of the �3.8million development of the railway crossing connecting the east and west sides of Royston, three life-like steel figures will be erected at one end.

The project is being organised by Sustrans Connect2, a project with a �50million Lottery grant to build bridges and crossings throughout the UK.

Royston’s residents are now being urged to nominate the people they feel are worthy of being honoured.

Nigel Brigham, Sustrans’ Regional Director for the East of England, said: “We are really looking forward to seeing who Royston’s community would like to immortalise this exciting art project.

“Portraiture is a traditional way for communities to recognise loved ones, or those who have inspired them, and provides an opportunity for the people of Royston to show us how they see themselves and their history.”

Characters chosen across the country so far include comedian Rob Brydon who stands alongside a local park ranger in the Afan Valley, leading member of the suffragette movement Sylvia Pankhurst in Tower Hamlets, and Olympic sprinter Darren Campbell in Sale.

Rob Smith, Hertfordshire County Council’s assistant director of transport management, said: “Those of you who have not already done so, get your nominations in quick, because time is running out.

“We want to know who you think should be commemorated as part of the project.”

Nomination forms are available from Royston Town Hall and Royston Library. Forms are also being circulated to schools in the area. The closing date is April 8.