LEIGH'S pit pony sculpture could be returned to Leigh - if a suitable indoor space can be found to exhibit it.

News last week that the life-size sculpture had been banished from Leigh Market Hall and adopted by the Red Rose Steam Society at Astley Mining Museum infuriated the school that helped to sculpt it and the people of Leigh.

Letters of protest poured into the Journal from the public and pupils at Leigh CE Junior School who helped artist Marjan Wouda work on the model in 1989.

Now the council, which considered it was giving away the statue to a suitable home, is to discuss suggestions for an alternative site.

Headmaster at Leigh CE, Mr Brian Fawcett, is delighted.

Public place

He said: "The pony needs to be in a public place. It is too important a piece of art to be reduced to a museum.

"Ideally it should have an indoor space, like the foyer of Leigh Library, where everyone can see it.

"I am glad there has been such a groundswell of support from the public, I hope the council will take note.

"We would like it back in school as a secondary option rather than be cast away, but it was made by the children of Leigh for the people of Leigh and should be on show in a public place.

"The Spinning Gate site was ideal."

Ex-miner John Seddon, of Hope Carr Road, Leigh, said: "I was saddened to hear of the loss of our pony. It may have gone to a good home, but there was nothing wrong with the one it had.

"I feel very strongly that the sculpture, which represents not only the industry, but also the many miners who gave their lives and suffered disease and injury to provide heat and fuel for home and industry, should be brought back to put the smiles back on the faces of the children who helped to produce it."

Mark Smith, of Peacock Fold, Leigh, said: "As a former member of the Red Rose Steam Society, but first and foremost a Leyther born and bred, I say bring the pit pony back to Leigh, its rightful home.

"Surely the thousands spent on Leigh's wigwam-dalek-ice cream cone could have been used to buy an indestructable display case which could have housed our pit pony and been placed in a prominent position overlooked by the security cameras in the town centre."

John and Dorothy Lovell, of Lowton, agreed.

John said: "On a point of good manners, before you give a gift such as this away you should approach the donor for permission to do so. It should be put back in the Spinning Gate Centre."

Impressed

Dorothy added: "When I first saw it in Spinning Gate I was so impressed. It spoke volumes for Leigh's history. Put it back, please. It's a thousand times more representative of Leigh than the Spindle."

An upset Leigh CE pupil said: "I would like the pit pony brought back to Leigh. My head teacher is very angry."

John Lally, of Midland Close, Leigh, added: "I think the pony should be returned to Leigh and be placed next to to infamous needle in Bradshawgate to be used by our three professional Leythers, Andy, Peter and Brian as a backdrop for photo opportunities."

Many other letters called for the pony to be brought back and given pride of place where it belongs, adding that the people of Leigh have lost enough and asking "what else will Wigan take from us?"

A council spokesman said: "We had thought the mining museum to be a suitable home because the pony is in keeping with the exhibits and it would be safe from vandals.

"If anyone can suggest a more suitable alternative we will sit down with the Steam Society to discuss the options.

The public is invited to write to Kay Bardgett, assistant director of Leisure, C/O Leigh Town Hall, with their suggestions.