A POPULAR statue which has stood in Basingstoke’s Alencon Link since 1999 has been damaged.

‘L’Arc’, a striking work by sculptor David Annand, consists of two figures on either side of the road, each holding a curved pole.

But on September 4, it was discovered that the statue which is closest to The Malls shopping centre had been damaged, with the hands holding the metal pole separated from the body.

The statue, which is cast from bronze and stainless steel, was unveiled in 1999. It was designed by the artist to reflect Basingstoke’s close relationship with its European twin towns as the curved poles, if extended, would meet to form a circle and so create a gateway.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has confirmed that it owns that statue and that the damage was caused by a delivery van. The ends of the damaged statue have been protected whilst it investigates how it was damaged and if the statue can be repaired.