Spotlights to shine on miner statue

Jigger, Brownhills' iconic miner statue, will be lit up at night so it can be seen for miles around, it was announced today. Top-of-the-range spotlights will be used to light up the £70,000 structure.

It was named by teenager Jak Groves in memory of his great grandfather Jack Taylor who lost his life in a Walsall Wood pit tragedy in 1951.

The statue the island at the junction of High Street and Chester Road North, has become one of the most recognisable landmarks in Brownhills but can be difficult to see after dark.

Lights, costing £3,000, are expected to be installed later this year.

Brownhills Councillor Alan Paul is one of the statue's biggest fans.

He said: "This is great news. The people of Brownhills have been asking for the miner to be illuminated for some time and I'm delighted to confirm that this will now take place.

"Its illumination will be a beautiful spectacle at night and will become a focal point in the middle of the town."

Unveiled in 2006, Jigger has become a huge hit and even has its own postcard.