Seal sculpture collapses on roundabout

Three of the seal sculptures have been in place since 2011, with a fourth added in 2017

A seal sculpture on a roundabout has partially collapsed prompting calls from locals for urgent restoration work.

The Coatham seals have become a much-loved feature of the town near Redcar since three of them were put in place in 2011. A fourth was added in 2017 but weathering has caused them to rot until one finally collapsed on Tuesday.

Resident Neil Baldwin said the seals, which residents decorate throughout the year, have long shown signs of deterioration.

All four were created by Steve Iredale and Redcar Council has reached out to him to see what repair work can be done.

Coatham councillor Carl Quartermain said a new film is in the works which revolves around the seals and he hopes restoration work will be completed in time for the project.

He said: "We know our much-loved seals on Coatham roundabout are looking a little poorly at the moment, with one sadly collapsing and the others showing their age.

"We're working with Neil Bates, former Regent Cinema manager, on his new film project Four Seals which is inspired by them, and we're in touch with the original artist Steve Iredale to look at repairs."

Mr Baldwin said the seal which has "disintegrated" has shown signs of rot for years.

"Obviously they haven't been maintained for a while," he said.

"It would be nice if the remaining three were saved from a similar fate. At least one of the others is showing signs of rot now too."