Bolton’s beloved elephants are finally coming home after 11 years

The town’s three colourful elephant statues are being returned to their original home on Newport Street after packing their trunks in 2015.

Construction work is taking place with the elephants appearing at the top of Newport Street and Great Moor Street.

The trio, Ellie, Elmer and Mister Jackbow, have been fully restored and repainted ahead of their return.

They were previously moved to an area near the Octagon car park, close to the play area, where they remained while work was carried out.

Their return means they will once again stand close to Bolton Interchange, where they are expected to be among the first sights seen by people arriving in the town centre.

(Image: NQ)

The elephants were named by local children following a public competition and have become a familiar part of Bolton’s identity.

Their return was announced by Bolton Council in May as part of wider plans to make the town centre more welcoming.

The restoration is being funded through the Pride in Place Impact Fund, alongside other planned improvements across the town centre.

These include a double-sided LED screen outside Bolton Interchange, new wayfinding, murals celebrating local history, upgraded outdoor power units and new seating.

The council has also outlined improvements to lighting and CCTV, while defibrillators have already been installed.

The Bolton elephants (Image: Bolton Council)

Bolton has a long association with the elephant emblem, with theories linking it to historic trade with India and the use of the Elephant and Castle as a symbol of strength and dignity.

The installation is part of plans to ‘create a vibrant and welcoming town centre that celebrates its heritage and unique identity’.