A STATUE to remember Upper Gornal's contribution to the First World War is back in place after undergoing repair work.

The statue was installed in The Arcade last November during the Armistice Centenary commemorations as a permanent symbol of remembrance to the sacrifices made by Upper Gornal in the First World War.

Concerns were recently raised by residents about the impact the weather was having on the soldier, leading Upper Gornal and Woodsetton councillors Adam Aston and Keiran Casey to team up with Oval and Tudor Residents Association to see the Tommy statue strengthened.

Councillor Adam Aston said: "I am really glad that the soldier is now back in place at The Arcade and that further work has been done to try and protect this from any adverse whether that we may have.

"This is a really important war memorial to local people and since getting this installed residents have said that this has become a focal point for the community, in particular to pay their respects, not only on Remembrance Day, but all year round."

Councillor Keiran Casey added: "It's great to see the Tommy back in place, standing proudly over the memorial stone in The Arcade.

"Hopefully the work that has been done will prevent any damage being done to this and myself and Adam are extremely grateful to the local TRA and residents for all their help and support".

"We wanted to get the memorial installed in the first place to mark 100 years since the end of WW1 in November last year and we are very proud that we managed to work with local people to get this done, but we do have more plans in the pipeline to further improve the memorial and ensure that everyone knows the detail and the names of those who have given their lives".

"This memorial is a constant reminder to all of the sacrifices that local people from Upper Gornal have made fighting for our freedom, something that we must never forget".