A QUEEN’S Park icon has been wheeled off to the workshop for some much-needed TLC.

The park’s gorilla, sculpted in welded steel by artist Tom Gleeson, has been wheeled away for repair work.

The park’s community council say that the giant’s arm was beginning to tear away from his body. It is not currently known when he will return to his plinth.

Stan Pajak, chairman of Queen’s Park Community Council, said: “He is suffering from corrosion leading to his arm falling off when pulled. He has been taken away for repair and unlike King Kong will return.

“He remains one of the stars of our park and if you’re missing him you can get a fridge magnet of him at the central library.”

The gorilla was installed in the park in May 1994 on a stone plinth overlooking the lake. He previously sat on Princes Street in the town centre.

The animal’s creator, Tom Gleeson, is also responsible for the rusty-looking Cow – originally at the Princess Margaret Hospital and now grazing contentedly at the Great Western Hospital, Marlborough Road.

What are your memories of the Queen’s Park gorilla? Call the newsdesk on 01793 501806, message us on Facebook or email newsdesk@swindonadvertiser.co.uk.