DODGY DRIVING
VICTORIA WOOD STATUE IN BURY TO BE REMOVED FOR REPAIRS AFTER IT WAS KNOCKED OVER BY PHV
The Victoria Wood statue in Bury town centre has been knocked over by a private hire vehicle on the evening of Monday 3 June. The council, which is responsible for maintaining the statue on Church Gardens, said the incident, which happened at around 10pm, was “disappointing”, adding it will
be removed to assess the extent of the damage. The vehicle sustained significant damage, and the driver was taken to hospital. No arrests were made, police confirmed. A council spokesperson said: “Victoria Wood was a national treasure, and we’re proud to call her one of our own. The statue was made by acclaimed sculptor Gra- ham Ibbeson and unveiled in 2019. “We understand that the police are investigating the incident, and that the driver went to hospital with non-serious injuries. The vehicle is a private hire vehicle, licensed in Wolverhampton.” Victoria’s
RUNAWAY TAXI COLLIDES WITH CAR AND TRAFFIC LIGHTS IN EDINBURGH
An Edinburgh taxi ploughed into a set of traffic lights and another vehicle after the driver stopped to help a passenger. The bizarre incident unfolded on Comiston Road on June 4, as the taxi left a trail of destruction behind with a traffic light pole completely flattened and another car damaged. One eye witness recorded footage after the incident as three police vehicles can be seen with officers picking up parts of debris. A white car can be seen with damage to the rear bumper and a metal pole is lying on the pavement. A black cab is spotted at the side of the road with the driver helping a passenger out of the vehicle.
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brother Chris Foote- Wood, who was part of the
committee that helped to install the statue said: “It’s a terrible shock to be told that your sister has been knocked down by a taxi, but Victoria always was tough and her bronze statue even more so. “She’ll be back good as new very soon.”
The damaged traffic lights and signs can be seen in a big pile on the pavement with several officers involved in the cleanup. A police spokesperson confirmed no injuries were reported and no crime was committed. It’s under- stood the vehicle continued rolling down the street as the handbrake wasn’t correctly applied.
The memorial, which was unveiled in 2019, serves as a celebration of the the life and work of the Prestwich-born actress and com- edian, who first found fame in the 1970s talent show, New Faces. The comedian went on to star in acclaimed sitcoms including Dinnerladies and Acorn Antiques as well as comedy sketch show, Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV. A couple of weeks after the accident Victoria Wood’s brother, Chris Foote-Wood, along with sculptor Graham Ibbeson, tech- nical experts and council officials went to view the statue, which has been covered and secured in situ. He said: “Victoria’s statue appears to have sustained relatively little damage to the outer surface. “It is possible that there is also some structural damage which could take some time to put right. The council is considering Mr Foote-Wood’s request to install bollards to protect the statue.
JULY 2024 PHTM
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