A MODERN-day version of a popular statue which watched over the town centre for more than 60 years could be erected.

The monument, known locally as the Angel, stood at the junction of the Esplanade and Manchester Road until it was removed by the council in 1961.

The Victorian statue had suffered from weather erosion and town hall bosses eventually decided to demolish it after deeming the cost of restoration too high.

Over the years calls have been made for a new ‘Angel’ to be designed and put back in her rightful place. The council says that there are currently no plans in place to replace the monument, but it hasn’t ruled out looking at the project in the future.

Gordon Beverley, Rochdale Council’s street services manager, said: "Although we have no plans to reinstate or replace the Angel statue at present, this may be looked at as a possible future Friends Group project. Our current priority is to renovate the water fountain."

The Observer took to the streets to hear the views of shoppers and found that many Rochdalians of a certain age still remember the sculpture, despite it being removed almost half a century ago.

Margaret Crossley, aged 84, of Littleborough, has fond memories of the Angel.

She said: "I remember walking past the park and seeing the statue. I think it would be a good idea to bring back a similar statue, but it’s a shame that they don’t still have the original one because a new one wouldn’t be the same."

Beryl Walker, aged 83, who lives in the town centre, said: "The Angel was very famous in Rochdale. I always used to look forward to seeing it and then it suddenly disappeared. They shouldn’t have demolished the old one, but I hope they decide to bring the statue back."

Gillian McInally, aged 46, of Norden, backed the idea but said she would prefer to see a statue honouring former Rochdale boxing legend Jock McAvoy.

She added: "I don’t remember the Angel because I wasn’t born, but I think they should honour someone from Rochdale such as Jock McAvoy.

"We already have the Gracie Fields Theatre and a John Bright statue so perhaps it’s time to honour someone else."

Councillor William Hobhouse also lent his support to the suggestions.

He said: "It might be fun to have a modern Rochdale Angel as there’s a lack of public sculpture in the town centre."

But not everyone supported the idea. John McCormack, of Mayfield, said it sounded like a ‘waste of money’.

He added: "I would rather see any money being used to support sport in the town. A good football and rugby team can put the town on the map, but I doubt that another statue would."

However, his brother Peter was more positive and suggested erecting a statue to famous Rochdalian and singing superstar Lisa Stansfield.