By James Broadhurst

Last updated at 13:45, Tuesday, 20 November 2012

A memorial to mark the third anniversary of the 2009 floods has been unveiled in Workington.

The new memorial stone is lifted into place

A 3.5-ton slate memorial was lifted into place near Navvies Bridge three years to the day after the town was devastated by floods.

It was funded by Cumbria County Council and Workington Town Council.

Carved into the stone is a prehistoric fish called the coelacanth, which was thought to be extinct but was rediscovered in 1938. The shields of both councils are shown on the other side of the memorial and the top features the Bible verse “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills”, which is the motto of both councils. The memorial was sculpted by Shawn Williamson, 50, from Dearham, who said it took about three weeks to make.

Town councillor Carole Armstrong said that the fish was like a phoenix rising from the ashes and represented Workington rising again after the floods.

Councillor Joan Wright, chairman of the town council’s culture committee, said: “It’s about a new beginning for the people of Workington. It’s a wonderful piece of art.”

The memorial was blessed by Canon Bryan Rowe of St Michael’s Church.

There are plans to install seats next to the memorial.

First published at 11:37, Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk