A COMPANY has apologised and moved work barriers after concerns were raised about it enclosing a historic statue in the city centre.

A statue of Jane Taylor, the woman who wrote a poem which later became the lyrics to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, and her sister Ann, sits proudly in Colchester High Street after being unveiled in May. 

Over the weekend, fences have been put up to protect the public from electrical works being undertaken by UK Power Networks beside the statue.

However, these fences were put up over the statue's flooring which informs the public about why the statue was installed. 

Work - the fences around the statue Work - the fences around the statue (Image: Sir Bob Russell)

Sir Bob Russell, High Steward of Colchester unveiled the statue when it arrived and claims the company conducting the work is not being respectful.

He said: "I am concerned at what is happening. 

"They have dug right against the edge of the engraved paving, leaving debris on it.

"They have placed a fence around the Twinkle Star statue which is now inside their works area.

"UK Power Networks are not, in my opinion, treating the statue and the engraved paving with sufficient consideration.

"This is a project which cost £90,000 – all of it donated. Nothing from councils.

"The statue has become the most photographed site in Colchester. UK Power Networks have, for the moment, ruined this for photographs."

Concerned - Sir Bob Russell Concerned - Sir Bob Russell (Image: Newsquest)

More work will be done down the High Street next week and Sir Bob hopes more care will be taken. 

Sir Bob continued: "Nearby signs show that in a week or so this part of Colchester High Street will be getting works from gas company Cadent.

"Hopefully what they will be doing will not be detrimental to statue and engraved paving."

Work - the barrier goes over the statue Work - the barrier goes over the statue (Image: Sir Bob Russell)

In response to the complaint, UK Power Networks has apologised and moved the barrier. 

A spokesman said: "We apologise for the temporary enclosure of the statue within our work area in the High Street, Colchester, while we carry out emergency repairs on an underground cable to maintain reliable supplies.

"Our team has now relocated the barrier. We will endeavour to complete the work as soon as possible."

UK Power Network's website claims the works will be finished on September 10 at 11pm.