Monument plan to recognise town's Spitfire links

The proposed monument would feature three models of Spitfires

Plans are progressing for a Spitfire monument in recognition of a town's role in constructing the aircraft during World War Two.

The planes were built inside secret factories in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, at a site now called the Spitfire Retail Park.

A proposed permanent sculpture to recognise the town's link to the famous British aircraft is being planned to stand on the Bradley Road roundabout.

Trowbridge Town Council has backed the plans and it is hoped the memorial will be in place by autumn 2025.

Dr Simon Selby first came up with the idea for the Spitfire monument

'Significant monument'

The plans were put forward by Dr Simon Selby, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland for Wiltshire. He said this was due to the connection the Polish community has to Spitfires, after it helped to build and fly them.

"They had seen their nation invaded and had motivation and were good flyers. They played a pivotal role" said Dr Selby.

Initial plans to install a scale model of a Spitfire on the roundabout were shelved due to its size, with the proposal changed to a sculpture of three model Spitfires and the flags of 16 nations incorporated into the design.

"It's significant monument for the nation between Poles and Brits - anyone who sees it should be reminded that we have a huge debt," said Dr Selby.

"The sacrifice was massive - we owe it to them."

The Spitfire factory was on the site of what is now a retail park in Trowbridge

Wiltshire and Trowbridge councillor, Antonio Piazza, said: "I can imagine it now, people coming into the town, this is the first thing they see.

"It's a really wonderful way to welcome people into this town and mark that shared heritage."

The monument would be installed on the Bradley Road roundabout

'It's taken off'

Dr Selby said he had been pleased with the support offered to the project and that he had been approached by businesses locally and internationally who wanted to help.

"It's taken off - no pun intended," he added.

Funding will be discussed before the project is put forward for planning permission.