THE sculptor behind wood carvings that were defaced by vandals in Witton Park has pledged to reinstate them for free in response to the public’s outrage.

Kind-hearted Blackburn-based sculptor Martyn Bednarczuk created the four bird-themed artworks for the park’s conservation area in 2010.

After two were recently cut down by thieves, he contacted the Lancashire Telegraph to offer to replace them so the public would not be deprived.

Martyn, 57, who lives in Barrow, said: “When I got the paper I saw a lot of people were upset so I decided I could use two logs to recarve them.

“If the council will concrete them into the ground for me, then I am happy to do it because it would be a shame for people to have to lose out because of a few individuals.”

He estimated it would take about three days to make the replacements with a chainsaw and wood carving tools.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for culture, leisure and young people, Councillor Damian Talbot, said: “This is great news following the awful damage that these sculptures have suffered through the hands of mindless criminals.

“I would like to thank Martyn for this incredibly kind deed, one that won’t go unnoticed by our residents who, I’m sure, are equally as grateful.

“Hopefully this new batch of sculptures can be enjoyed by our residents and users of the park for years to come.”

Police are still appealing for anyone who knows about the theft and vandalism to contact them on 101.