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On Friday, March 28, Trowbridge Town Council filed a planning application to build a large Spitfire sculpture on the A363 Bradley Roundabout. The plans propose the construction of a sculpture on the roundabout featuring three quarter-size realistic sculptures of Second World War Spotfire fighter aircraft. READ MORE : Trowbridge A-road to see at least six weeks of delays for gas works The application describes the proposals as a “commemorative monument consisting of three mounted spitfire fighter plane models, 16 monolithic limestone plinths and limestone boulder with explanatory plaque.
” The Spitfire models are poised as if ‘flying’ on slender steel supports at varying heights and angles, suggesting a dogfight. The council says its aim is “to create a prominent monument in the South West UK, to commemorate the role Trowbridge (and the general area) played in the production of the iconic Spitfire fighter planes, which were so instrumental in defending this country. The town council continued it wanted “to acknowledge the sacrifice and bravery of the British, Polish, Commonwealth and other pilots who fought so bravely to secure the freedom and liberty we enjoy today and to produce a focal point for the town and region when remembering key dates, such as the Battle of Britain each year and to specifically mark and celebrate the site of the Spitfire construction factory in Trowbridge.
” A model of the Second World War Spitfire fighter aircraft. (Image: Dr Simon Selby) In August last year, the Wiltshire Times reported that Wiltshire Council contractors had cleared the four ash trees suffering from Ash Dieback disease from the traffic roundabout near the Spitfire Retail Park where some of the planes were built. The roundabout was where campaigners from the Polish community intend to install the metal plinth and fibreglass memorial when they are built.
Dr Simon Selby, the Republic of Poland’s honorary consul for the South West, says the Polish community in Trowbridge has offered to pay for the memorial. Many Polish airmen flew the Spitfire planes in Britain’s defence during the Second World War alongside British pilots. Dr Selby told the Times: “We spent a while waiting for Wiltshire Council to respond, then I took the donor model to Glastonbury to be up-scaled and made into solid wood so fibreglass mould can be made.
“It turns out the master carpenter is in North Bristol (my mistake), so that was another delay. “More positively, several large companies have expressed an interest in supporting the project and, as you’ve noticed, the roundabout has been cleared. The roundabout at top end of Bradley Road, the proposed site Spitfire Memorial.
(Image: Trevor Porter) “While that was actioned before our request, we have planted several thousand trees elsewhere (Devon) to more than compensate. “The roundabout ones were Ash and in a poor state, most likely Ash dieback. SEE ALSO: Trowbridge company announces plans for £100m factory “The next stage is to confirm if planning is required and then to get the design formally accepted.
“I would also like to get the flag tiles to go around the edge made, perhaps by college students but that’s a conversation once the overall plan is ok’d. “Lastly, I intend to ask highways to donate and fit three lampposts, or similar to act as the plinths for the three spitfires.” The proposed monument has gained the approval of residents.
Writing in response to the planning application, Susan Brett said the monument was a fitting way to honour a prominent aspect of the town’s heritage. She commented: “This Spitfire monument is befitting for the involvement of Trowbridge and its heritage in the manufacturing of Spitfires, the people who were involved and in the Spitfires place in helping to bring peace to Europe. Its place in history must be remembered.
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