PRESURE is mounting to bring the Devil back to Bromsgrove.

News that the Bromsgrove Devil or Rousler, as it is sometimes referred to, has been ousted from his perch in Bromsgrove's newly-refurbished library, probably never to return, is the cause of much consternation in the town.

The quirky terracotta figure, a similar one adorns Notre Dame in Paris, has sat on a shelf in the library for 15 years.

Originally it was a decorative roof tile on architect John Cotton's Institute and School of Art, built in New Road in 1894 and which became the town's library in 1930.

Legend has it that the Devil flew from the Lickeys one foggy, frosty night to visit his pal the Bromsgrove Boer, struck the institute's gable end, and froze.

When work began to refurbish the present library, the Devil, who is owned by the county council, was taken to Hartlebury museum for safe- keeping.

However, the Advertiser/Messenger understands that talks are taking place to return him to Avoncroft museum at Stoke Heath, instead of the library. But on Monday neither the council's press office nor Angela Gill, Avoncroft's director, would confirm this.

Angela said: "I am aware the council is investigating where the most appropriate place for it would be."

Jenny McGregor Smith, from Finstall, has more reason than most to see the Devil back in the library.

After thieves scaled the institute one dark night to steal the figure she and the Bromsgrove Society offered a £25 reward for its return.

A tip off led to it being found behind a town takaway and later it was established in the library.

"It is part of our history and he really should be returned to the library where he can be seen daily by large numbers of people,"she said.

Labour county and district councillor Sean Shannon also vowed to do all he can to return it the Devil the library.

In 1994 the Devil hit the headlines again. Messenger reporter Pete Lammas revealed a plan to erect it on the roof of the new Market Hall.

This resulted in uproar and the paper's biggest ever postbag from protestors who genuinely believed it depicted the Devil. Public opinion forced the plan to be scrapped.