AS THE CLOCK has now struck 12pm, we can reveal (as if you did not already know) that our story about the new high-tech needle and cotton statues was complete fabrication in true April Fools Day tradition.

Thanks to all of you who read the piece, shared and commented on social media and generally joined in with the fun.

We’ll be back again this time next year in a bid to trick you again but, in case you missed it, the story is below.

EXCLUSIVE – Redditch’s new high-tech needle statues are set to be ‘sew good’

A QUIRKY new project which will see a number of colourful sewing needle and thread statues positioned around Redditch borough.

The installations will pay tribute to the town’s proud history whilst also benefiting residents now and in the future.

As well as paying homage to the town’s needle-making past , the 7ft statues will have a high-tech twist with a number of USB ports and plug sockets in each one to help people charge their mobile phones and other devices.

And, as an added bonus, thanks to bluetooth technology, people will also be able to pair their phones or wireless ear buds to the statues to hear audio descriptions of the town’s heritage. At a time when audiobooks are becoming more and more popular, it is hoped the history descriptions will appeal to a lot of people who would otherwise not read up on the needle-making heritage.

Powering the statues and, subsequently, people’s phones will also not cost a thing – the giant cotton reels, incorporated into the statues, accommodate small round solar panels (pictured below).

The needle on each statue will also glow at night-time, thanks to the solar power.

The brains behind the project

The scheme is the brainchild of The History of Redditch and Energy Acquisition and Delivery group (THREADs).

THREADs spokesperson Ralf Poloi said: “We embroidered the project in a bid to help people in their everyday lives, whilst also, at the same time, promoting the proud needle-making history of the town. We strongly believe we don’t do this enough of that and that has got to change.

“Unless you are on public transport, at home or in the office, we know how difficult it is for people to charge their phones – finding a charger when you’re out and about is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

“And there is nothing worse than having about two per cent battery and worrying about people not being able to get in touch with you or being able to make a call in an emergency.

“Having these chargers freely available will help prevent people finding themselves in a near-dead battery situation – to use another needle analogy: ‘a stitch in time, saves nine’ when it comes to charging your phone.”

Where will they be?

Mooted locations for the high-tech needles have included the town centre, Arrow Valley Lake, the Abbey Stadium and, of course, Forge Mill Needle Museum.

Arrow Valley Park.

One resident said: “Although they sound like a good idea and will benefit people and promote the town’s history, who’s going to pay for them to be installed?

“If it’s taxpayers’ money, it’s a ‘no’ from me – that seems to me to be like a right stitch-up!’

THREADs are set to make a further announcement about the project at midday today.

• WHAT do you think? Email us at: [email protected] with your views on the idea and suggestions for areas you think ‘need a needle’.