Damage caused to wolf on popular Bury St Edmunds art trail

One of Bury St Edmunds wolves on its highly popular wolf trail has been damaged - the third such incident involving one of the artworks .

The wolf, created by arts group The Crafty Foxes and has more than 150 hand prints by pupils from four local schools, sits in a planter outside Smith’s Row but its tail was recently broken off.

Mark Cordell, chief executive of Ourburystedmunds, who organised the trail was disappointed at the news but was certain security measures would not be needed.

He said: “We knew the risks in having such tactile art out in public, but if you put up fences that would destroy the enjoyment of these pieces that many artists have put a lot of time into.”

Michelle Freeman of Crafty Foxes was also disappointed to hear about the damage and realises the wolves are very exposed to the public. She said: “I would much rather see three dimensional art like this in the real world than in galleries. You just appeal to the public’s better nature to leave them untouched and admire them as the art they are intended to be.” She said they would try to fix the wolf this week.

The trail opened in July and visitor numbers to the town have risen by five percent but this is the third incident with the wolves. The Topiary Wolf at the entrance to the Abbey Gardens was damaged and an attempt was made to steal the Willow Wolf on Angel Hill. The trail comes to an end on November 20.