By Fishermen’s Memorial Statue returns
Locals have welcomed the return of the town’s Fishermen’s Memorial Statue to St James’ Square as the transformation reaches its final stages.
They have also highlighted the memorial’s importance and their plans to bring their annual Lost Fishermen’s service back to the Minster and the square later this year.
An important part of the event is the laying of wreaths around the statue’s base.
The memorial was returned back to its rightful place on Friday afternoon after a deep clean.
Designers of the new-look public area have realigned its position slightly with the fisherman facing towards the Minster, allowing crowds to gather away from the main footpath in front of St James’ Hotel during the annual service.
Gill Ross, the Chair of the Friends of Grimsby Fishermen’s Mission, said: “To have the statue is an opportunity for us all to be reminded of those who risked their lives for our national dish and for us to say thank you for that.”
The closure of the square for its major make-over, along with coronavirus restrictions, meant the 2020 annual service was cancelled in its usual format.
A virtual event was recorded at Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre for people to watch online.
Work on the main redevelopment of the square continues, with the majority finished later this month, when just the creative paving and artwork will be outstanding.
The £1.8m overhaul to create a family-friendly space with new furniture, planting, lighting and CCTV is being managed by North East Lincolnshire Council’s regeneration partner ENGIE.
The artistic work is being developed as part of ‘Grimsby Creates’ – an umbrella brand for cultural activity over the next three years with support from the Cultural Development Fund.
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