Residents of Maryport voiced their concerns about the condition of The Alauna Aurora earlier this month, as significant rust had formed around the metalwork sculpture.
The Alauna Aurora has been situ on Maryport Harbour since 2018 and depicts a number of the town’s landmarks and historic moments.
Maryport Town Council has acted quickly to address the rust and the feature has now been repainted.
The Alauna Aurora earlier this month, before being restored. (Image: Newsquest)
A contractor was on-site last week to repaint the sculpture, ensuring it looks its best for Maryport’s summer tourism trade.
Maryport’s £12million regeneration is continuing apace, contributing to a 35 per cent increase in footfall.
The scheme has already seen the unveiling of a redeveloped activity centre, updated play park, an art trail and boardwalk.
Public realm improvements include a new outdoor seating area by the harbourside, which can be used for outdoor performances.
Still in the pipeline are the redevelopment of the Carlton Cinema as a cultural hub and the reopening of the Maritime Museum in the former Christ Church building.
A spokesperson for Maryport Town Council told the Times & Star earlier this month that the Alauna Aurora is maintained annually but “the work required can only be done weather permitting.”
A plaque detailing the historical significance of images on the sculpture. (Image: Newsquest)
Residents were given the opportunity to name the sculpture when it was first installed, many submissions were a variation on ‘Alauna,’ which was the Roman word for the area in antiquity.
The Alauna Aurora proudly displays the RMS Titanic and the HMS Bounty, referencing Maryport’s connection to the historic ships.
Joseph Middleton, the great-grandfather of Thomas Henry Ismay, opened a shipyard in Maryport in 1810.
Mr Ismay famously became the founder of the White Star Line, which built The Titanic.
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Maryport also has a strong connection to the HMS Bounty, as Fletcher Christian, who led a notorious mutiny on the ship, was born in the Maryport area.
The Alauna Aurora also depicts the war memorial on Fleming Square, a familiar sight for the people of Maryport.
A steam train visible on the left flank references the key role Maryport played in the transportation of coal.
This was achieved via the Maryport and Carlisle Railway, constructed in the mid-19th century.