Ellesmere's Sshhh sculpture due for comeback

The Ellesmere Sculpture Initiative has been shortlisted to receive cash from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme, which distributes money raised by the store group through charges for plastic carrier bags.

It involves creating a new wooden sculpture, in the shape of the word Sshhh, to replace the original carving which was the most popular installation on the sculpture trail around the Mere.

The old sculpture, created in 2011 by artist John Merrill, had to be removed last summer because the wood had rotted.

Now volunteers are planning to install the new work later this year in the same quiet, secluded woodland spot in Cremorne Gardens

Funding for the project will be made available from the Tesco scheme which is run in partnership with the Groundwork environmental charity. Two other community projects in the region have been shortlisted to compete for grants of £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 and Tesco customers are being asked to vote on how the grants should be allocated.

Delighted

Len Graham, chair of the Sculpture Initiative said: “We’re delighted to be chosen by Tesco for this wonderful Bags of Help scheme and we’re very grateful to the community of Ellesmere for supporting our project.

“The old Sshhh sculpture gave enormous pleasure to many thousands of visitors to the Mere, particularly children, who used to enjoy scrambling over the carved wooden lettering and having their photographs taken.

"There was huge disappointment when it had to be taken away because of the effects of the weather and natural deterioration.

"We now have the chance to replace the sculpture in local oak which will be more long lasting. This will mean that Sshhh number two can be enjoyed by local people and visitors for many more years.”

Voting is open in all Tesco stores throughout January and February. Customers will be able to cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out each time they shop.