A Year After Disappearance, York Bear Statue Plaque Returns
A brass plaque, stolen from a beloved city statue in York, has been returned a year after its disappearance. The plaque, which marks an Award for Good Design from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government in the 1960s, was taken from the bear sculpture in Chalfonts, a residential area off Tadcaster Road, on November 5th. Its return is a welcome development, according to City of York councillor Stephen Fenton, who expressed relief at the plaque's safe return.
Fenton said, "It was a distressing sight to see a cherished piece of local history torn away. It's wonderful that someone has returned it, allowing it to resume its rightful place."
When the plaque went missing, North Yorkshire Police released an appeal, emphasizing the statue's significance as a "prominent and much-loved local landmark."
The Chalfonts homes, built in the 1960s, feature the bear statue, which has sparked curiosity about its placement in a residential area. Fenton noted, "It's one of those enigmatic tales with no clear explanation. The bear, though appearing forlorn, is a striking and unique addition to the neighborhood."
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