Plans approved for war hero statue in park

The 2.7m (8.8ft) tall statue depicts prisoner of war Len Gibson

Plans to install a sculpture celebrating a World War Two hero from "The Forgotten Army" have been approved.

Cancer charity Daft as a Brush's application to South Tyneside Council to place Ray Lonsdale's statue of prisoner of war Len Gibson in South Shields' Grade-II listed North Marine Park was approved this week.

Mr Gibson, who was from Sunderland and imprisoned on the Burma Death Railway by the Japanese, is depicted handing a homemade banjo to a Burmese boy.

The applicants said Mr Gibson handing over the instrument was a "symbol of peace and forgiveness, as he was released from far east captivity to come home".

The 2.7m (8.8ft) high tall statue is the latest piece to be created by Ray Lonsdale, whose work can be seen around the region including in Seaham, St Peter's Riverside and in Keel Square in Sunderland.

The supporting design and access statement added the sculpture intended to "serve as a lasting tribute to Len Gibson, a local war hero and for all 'The Forgotten Army' who fought in Burma".

Placement concerns

Five public objections were raised during the consultation including concerns about "loss of views" and where the statue would be situated, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The council decision report said it would not lead to any loss of views as it was far enough away from residential properties and the land sloped away to the east.

It added the design would "respect the character and appearance" of the park, which is on Historic England's register of parks and gardens of special historic interest.

Daft as a Brush Cancer founder Brian Burnie, who was a long time friend of Mr Gibson, privately funded the tribute.

Following planning permission being granted, charity bosses said they hoped the statue would be placed at the site by the end of this year.