A NEW tiger sculpture at Victoria Park has been approved after the current artwork was targeted by "repeated vandalism".

Proposals, which were submitted to the council for a wooden tiger sculpture to be situated on a plinth at the park, have been given official approval.

The new work will see a level two-metre by two-metre stone set and concrete base with a wooden tiger model on top.

The 'new tiger' will be in Victoria Park adjacent to St Mark's Lodge.

Plans said "the proposed wooden tiger sculpture is circular in design, approximately 1.7m high and has a maximum diameter of 1.9m at its widest point".

They added: "The tiger sculpture is a replacement for the existing 'drumming tiger' artwork which is situated adjacent to the bandstand area within the park.

"The existing 'drumming tiger' artwork has been subject to repeated vandalism over the years and is now beyond reasonable repair.

"The artwork will therefore be removed from site prior to the siting of the new wooden tiger sculpture".

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The proposed new sculpture is an artist's impression of the stuffed tiger museum piece which was lost as the premises relocated following the sale of Mansion House to Age UK Mid Mersey in 1990.

Plans added: "The proposed tiger sculpture will be sited within the CCTV coverage area of St Mark's Gate Lodge grounds, in hope of deterring future malicious vandal damage.

"The existing use of the grassed area, where the wooden tiger sculpture will be positioned, is maintained as amenity grass and is surrounded by a metal bow top fence".

The original 'drumming tiger' piece was unveiled in 2014 after being created by sculptor Thompson Dagnall from an old tree that had been damaged by strong winds.