Vandals who targeted family sculpture trail in Newcastle condemned
Vandals who targeted the charity Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne sculpture trail across Newcastle are being condemned
The charity who launched the Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne trail through Newcastle this summer, say they might not do it again - after vandals targeted the sculptures.
Five of the 115 fibreglass sheep on display around the city have been damaged since they were installed in July and St Oswald’s Hospice said that the “emotional and financial impact” of the vandalism makes it unlikely that they will repeat the family experience in the future.
St Oswalds Hospice, who've previously run the Great North Snowdogs in 2016 and Elmer's Great North parade just last year - say the impact of the destruction makes it unlikely they'll repeat the free family experience in future.
Last weekend, the Dolly Baa-ton sculpture on Byker’s Shields Road was taken off display due to “serious and deliberate damage” – in which it was ripped from its fixings and had its head and face smashed.
The Ram-bler and Perfect Day statues also had to be taken away to be fixed after sustaining damage.
Newcastle City Council leader Nick Kemp called the vandalism “entirely unacceptable”.
He said: “St Oswald’s Hospice is a remarkable organisation providing the best possible care and support for people at the hardest time in their lives. It is one of the great institutions of Newcastle and all year round plays an important role in supporting our communities.
“We’re incredibly proud to sponsor the summer art trial which helps St Oswald’s raise the vital funds it needs while also providing brilliant activities for families over the summer months.
“Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne has been brilliantly received and it’s great to see so many people taking part, both following the trail and visiting the pop-up shop which has been an excellent addition to the Civic Centre.
“The fact that a handful of individuals have decided to vandalise some of these sculptures is entirely unacceptable and puts a greater strain on the finances and resources of St Oswald’s which relies on donations to provide the services it does. I would strongly urge those carrying out such acts to think about what they’re doing and consider the wider impacts their actions have on the community.”
The 45 larger sculptures of the beloved animated character are due to be auctioned off to raise funds for the charity once the free summer activity comes to an end.
But it is feared that the acts of vandalism will reduce the chance of them being sold, while also taking up hospice staff’s valuable time.
A spokesperson for the Shaun on the Tyne trail said on Monday: “The impact of the damage has been devastating to everyone who has been involved in bringing this free, inclusive trail to Newcastle. Because of this, it’s unlikely St Oswald’s Hospice will do another trail, as the emotional and financial impact has sadly meant it’s no longer viable in our city.
“We want to thank everyone who has taken the trail in the spirit it’s been intended and to those who have reported damage helping us to get the sculptures as soon as possible. It is a shame that a small minority are spoiling it for the majority of people who have been out enjoying the trail.”