Runcorn schoolboy wins chance to name dragon sculpture

Dec 24 2008 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

A RUNCORN schoolboy will leave a lasting legacy by naming a sculpture which is to make its home in Palacefields moat.

James Murphy, 10, of Our Lady’s School, won a competition to name the serpent sculpture and guardian of the moat in preparation for its installation early next year.

Riverside Housing commissioned the dragon – christened Tripalocorn – as part of the regeneration of the ancient moat surrounding the Tricorn pub, which was once a medieval manor house.

Darren Whitfield, of community development charity Four Estates, which organised the competition, said: “This was an opportunity for the children of Palacefields to become part of local history and the response was fantastic.

“It shows how good the community spirit is here and we had some great entries, but what swayed the judges in James’s favour was the connection with the area and a name to which local people can really relate.”

Plans to transform the historical area of land, which dates back to the 12th Century, were unveiled at a community consultation in Palacefields last year.

Since then, Riverside has worked with Four Estates, the Halton Neighbourhood Management Project, Halton Borough Council, Norton Priory and Groundwork Merseyside to transform the moat.

Karl Delamar, of Riverside Housing, said: “We have cleared vegetation from the site and put in new footpaths and a bridge.

“The moat is a preservation area of historical significance and we have involved the community in our plans along the way.

“Children will also be encouraged to use the site to study biodiversity.”

Tripalocorn the Dragon will sit inside the moat, to be submerged when water levels rise.