Express & Star

Weld done sir! Metal magician Luke Perry showcases new park creation

These impressive structures will be the latest addition to a Stourbridge park as part of its £3 million revamp.

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Sculptor Luke Perry with some of the Edwardian-style designs he is creating for Mary Stevens Park in Stourbridge

The interpretation panels, which will detail the rich history of Mary Stevens Park, are being made by Black Country sculpture artist Luke Perry.

The park is being modernised to make it fit for the 21st century but the Edwardian-style design also gives a nod to the park's roots.

Mr Perry has taken inspiration from the park's famous entrance gates, which have also been spruced up as part of the improvement works, for the design of the panels.

The structures will aid park visitors by telling interesting stories about its past.

Mr Perry, from Cradley Heath, said: "These will last for hundreds of years, they are a permanent addition to the park.

"I have taken inspiration from the park gates and they will tell the history of the park and the house."

A raft of improvements have been made to the park including war memorial, bandstand and Heath Pool as well as the creation of a new cafe and toilet facilities.

A £2.6 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund allowed the revamp to go ahead.

The entrance gates, which had long been in need of repair, were lifted out of place to be refurbished.

The grade II-listed bandstand saw parts of its original ironwork replaced and the Stourbridge coat of arms installed. A new power supply to the bandstand was also laid to make future concerts easier to stage.