Devastation after second pony statue taken

The families of miners who risked their lives to work in collieries said they were "heartbroken" by the theft of a second memorial statue.

Both metal pit ponies, which sat on top of plinths at either end of the village in Ryhope, Sunderland, are missing after being cut down and stolen.

Councillors said replacing the bronze sculptures could cost more than £34,000 each and they would be "pressing" for permanent replacements.

Northumbria Police said it had not traced those responsible for the theft of the first effigy in 2021, or the most recent discovered on 25 August.

The sculptures represent the animals which hauled heavy carts of coal at Ryhope's pits, which closed in 1966.

"The pit pony statues were there to be a memorial because, as with all collieries, there was tragic losses of life," Martyn Herron, councillor for Ryhope ward, said.

“We’re very proud of our mining heritage, so for someone to take that representation of those lost lives, it’s devastating."

Helen Glancy, also a councillor for Ryhope, said she would be "pressing" the council for replacements but was aware of financial pressures.

She is also appealing for anybody wishing to sponsor a replacement to come forward.

In the latest theft from Tunstall Bank, only the pony's hooves remain.

At the other site, on Stockton Road, the entire pony was removed and replaced with a fibre-glass replica created by an anonymous artist.

Jenny Sharratt's great, great grandfather was the first to be killed at the pit in the 1850s, and her father was one of the last to work at the site.

She said: "It's very sad - It’s just wanton destruction, because it’s linked to Ryhope and memories for a community that is going to be lost.

"When my father finished in the pits we found a big sleigh in the shed that the ponies would have pulled."

Denise Collinson has lived in the village all her life and said those responsible had "stooped so low to take something from all the people in Ryhope."

A spokesperson for Sunderland City Council said: "Clearly, and as a listening council, we’ll look to what happens next as we take on board comments and representations from residents and councillors."

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