The cherished lion statue at the entrance of Weelsby Woods in Grimsby, which had experienced damage from a car collision earlier this year, has now been finely restored. Installed since the 1950s, this stone figure along with its twin has been a significant feature of the park. After the accident in 2023, the affected lion was repaired, however, there was a mismatch in the faces of the two statues. This has now been resolved, and the face of the damaged lion has been skilfully remodelled by local stonemasons to mirror its partner.
The lions, originally sculpted in 1876 for a luxurious house in Grimsby, were relocated to Weelsby Woods when the park was inaugurated in 1951. They were donated from the property of a well-known fishing magnate. Following the recent accident, the enthusiastic community gathered to back the restoration, with Friends of Weelsby Woods gathering a substantial £10,000 for the initial repair work. The most recent restoration stage, supported by funds from North East Lincolnshire Council, has successfully restored the pair to their former majestic unity.
Sharing his joy at the restoration’s success, Councillor Henry Hudson stated, “It’s wonderful to see the lions match again. Their restoration brings an added charm to the park, and we’re overjoyed with the result.”
This article uses information originally reported by www.bbc.com and has been adapted for The Lincoln Post.