A TIMELY event yesterday marked the completion of the rebirth of the centre of a former mining village.

A six-metre high stainless steel artwork clock called Pulse was unveiled as the finishing touch to the Heart of the Village project at Sacriston in County Durham.

The clock, next to the village’s new community centre and landscaped surrounds, was created by award-winning sculptor and environmental artist Diane Maclean, who works mainly in stainless steel on a large scale. It replaces the clock on the village’s old community centre, which was demolished last April.

“In public consultation about the project what came through strongly was that villagers wanted a clock back,” said Grace Wallace, project officer with Groundwork North East, which has been involved in the venture.

“The clock is a very modern design and is the final piece in the regeneration jigsaw.

“The enthusiasm for the project among people in Sacriston has been fantastic. Everyone showed a real interest and the community is really excited to see a clock back on Front Street.

“The sculpture was created to allow the village to both celebrate its proud heritage and look to a prosperous future, and the scheme has been a resounding success.”

Diane Maclean's "Pulse" Art Sculpture built by Birch Engineering

 Article written by Tony Henderson, from The Journal.