Corby Steelman statue put into storage

The Steelman will be kept in storage until the work is finished.

A statue commemorating a Northamptonshire town's industrial heritage is being put into storage ahead of improvement works.

The Steelman on George Street, Corby, is being moved before work on the Corby Walk pathway begins in June.

The pathway will link the town centre and train station to local attractions including woodland and the Corby East Midlands International Pool.

The statue will return to George Street when work on the project is finished.

It will be installed on a new ironstone plinth a short distance away from its current position.

Other improvements to George Street, including new bus shelters, seating and lighting, are also planned.

The first stage of the project will begin on George Street South in June and is due to be completed by the end of 2010.

Councillor Jimmy Noble, lead member for regeneration at Corby Borough Council, said the improvements will make the street "more attractive and accessible".