At the end of 2010, the council invited residents to nominate their local heroes to be immortalised in a new piece of public art - a portrait bench to mark the Scunthorpe Connect2 project.
The heroes could be anyone from a community hero, right up to a famous face, sports star or a historical figure. Local wildlife or even prehistoric creatures associated with Scunthorpe could also be considered.
The portrait bench is an art initiative from sustainable transport charity Sustrans. There will be a portrait bench at each of the 79 Connect2 projects up and down the country*. Similar benches in England and Wales have featured runner Darren Campbell and Comedian Rob Brydon, as well as local heroes such as a doctor and a park ranger.
Scunthorpe's Connect2 project is a £3.4 million scheme to improve paths, access and bridges along the Scunthorpe Ridge Walk. It is part of Sustrans nationwide Connect2 scheme which won £50 million from the Big Lottery Fund in an ITV vote back in 2007. The "People';s £50 million" is the largest single lottery grant ever awarded in the UK.
The result:
The public have voted and the council has spoken to the finalists or their family members to seek permission on being a finalist to feature on the portrait bench.
The three local hero's to feature on the portrait bench are:
- Albert 'Lal' White
- Liz Smith; and
- Jack Tighe
For more information on the Portrait Bench please click on link below.