Community pride over Beacon of Light sculpture

Businessman Jay Baso, stood directly on right of the sculpture, said he was proud to have been involved in the project

A new community steel sculpture has been revealed in Wednesfield.

The Beacon of Light, on the Lichfield Road and Wood End Road island, "showcases the best of Wednesfield through the ages" acknowledging community, history, market traders, nature, music and bridges into the town, City of Wolverhampton Council said.

The sculpture was "driven by the community" and paid for with government and council funding and features the words Respect, Be Kind and Remember.

The 5.5m-tall piece can be lit up from inside and was switched on Armistice Day.

Jay Baso, owner of Elegant Frames and Mirrors and chair of Wednesfield Business Alliance, helped co-ordinate community involvement in the design.

He said: "I am hugely proud to have been involved in this project and would like to take the opportunity to thank all those involved.

"The sculpture represents all the things that are great about Wednesfield.

"It's a beacon of positivity for all to see and will hopefully be loved and cherished for generations to come."

Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, said: "The Wednesfield community has once again come together to create a fantastic sculpture that does the town proud and signifies all its best qualities and history.

"The council was delighted to play a supporting role in helping secure funding for the sculpture and I'd like to thank our landscape architect and the highways team for working hard with the community to deliver this."