AN ‘angel’ sculpture erected to honour the Black Country’s health and care workers has been taken down before the winter weather damages it.

But it could be followed by a permanent tribute as Sandwell Council and the artist discuss options for the future.

The ‘Wings and Scrubs’ work by Stourbridge artist Luke Perry was always planned to be a temporary installation.

The four-metre tall metal sculpture of a winged medical worker made in Luke’s Cradley Heath factory during the spring lockdown has stood in Lightwoods Park in Bearwood since May.

Luke said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the ‘angel’. It’s unified people and provided a space and a focus for thoughts and conversations about the pandemic and the inspirational efforts of NHS and care workers.

“Like everyone, I have family members who owe their lives to the NHS and I wanted to create a piece of public art that captured the huge public outpouring of thanks to our health and care workers.

“The work was not designed to be permanent. It’s therefore best to take down the sculpture now, before it begins to show signs of wear and ahead of the winter. I want people to remember it positively rather than in fading glory.

Luke, who lives in Stourbridge, said the materials from Wings and Scrubs will now be recycled for another project in the Black Country.

Sandwell Council Deputy Leader Councillor Maria Crompton said: “We would like to thank Luke for the wonderful sculpture. We have been proud to have it in Sandwell.”

The sculpture was located on the Hagley Road West side of Lightwoods Park due to it being a key commuter route used by many hospital and care workers travelling to and from Birmingham and the Black Country.