County Square Environmental Partnership Scheme
and Laurel and Hardy Statue
A major enhancement scheme commenced in Ulverston was
completed in April 2009.
The project was designed to enhance a major entrance and exit
to the town centre, which has some significant and important
buildings in it including the Coronation Hall and the Post
Office.
The project created a performance and gathering space outside
of the Coronation Hall. This area is also the site of
the Laurel and Hardy Statue. The statue shows the 'Boys' leaning
against a lamp post; Olly's trousers are being tugged by a small
dog called 'Laughing Gravy". The statue was designed and
created by internationally renowned sculptor Graham Ibbeson.
Graham's commissions have included Eric Morecambe and Les
Dawson.
All the funds for the statue were raised by the Sons of the
Desert, the Laurel and Hardy international appreciation
society..
The work on the square included repaving all of the pavements in
natural stone, creating parking and bus bays in sandstone.
Sandstone was also used at the entrance and exits of all of
the road leading to County Square. Detail on the performance
space and also the benches and bollards has been created in local
slate.
Access for traffic remains the same and buses can
also still able access County Square.
The County Square Project has been funded by SLDC, NWRDA,
English Heritage and Cumbria County Council. It is an Ulverston and
Low Furness Market Town Initiative project.