AN iconic bronze sculpture in the heart of Dudley town centre has been stolen.

The News was contacted by a reader wondering of the whereabouts of the ‘Green Man’ face, which adorned the wall above the Green Man entry, opposite Bottom Church in Castle Street.

The green-painted bronze relief piece of artwork, which features a traditional depiction of the medieval Green Man with a face mad from leaves and root-like tendrils, has featured above the alleyway since 1995, after being made as part of the Dudley Borough Public Art project.

But the sculpture, which forms a landmark in the town centre, went missing a few months ago and has been reported to the police.

If it cannot be recovered Dudley Council has vowed to create a replacement.

Councillor Shaukat Ali, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Unfortunately the Green Man mask head was stolen. Fortunately we still have a fibreglass mould allowing a replacement to be cast if the original cannot be found.

“Any replacement would be installed at the same time as the major improvement works to Dudley Market Place which, subject to confirmation of funding, are due to start next summer.”