AN artist has talked about his new 32ft-tall town centre sculpture after shoppers delivered a mixed verdict.

Several said it was a waste of money but some praised its bold design.

The Braid, previously dubbed the light sabre, has been installed in Sudell Cross, Blackburn, at a cost of £75,900.

It will be the centrepiece of a £1.1m revamp of the area. From April 10 the sculpture will be illuminated.

But shoppers, asked for their opinions by the Lancashire Telegraph, were divided over The Braid.

The sculpture was designed by Newcastle-based artist Simon Watkinson.

He defended his work and said: "There is an inevitable reaction because it comes as a surprise to people.

"I think there is always that initial reaction to something new.

"I am very pleased with it and I think it will be particularly effective at night."

He said the use of a braid was to honour Blackburn's history as a textile town and the weaving of the strands was symbolic.

Mr Watkinson said: "There is an overtone of how communities are made up of different components and bringing those diversities to create a more potent force."

The sculpture has been funded by the North West Regional Development Agency, an independent body funded by the Government.

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "An older ornate iron lamp post used to exist in that part of the town centre so it is fitting that something as significant as The Braid has been installed as a permanent fixture.

"We feel The Braid is in keeping with town centre tradition whilst at the same time ensuring the Sudell Cross development had a modern contemporary feel to it."

It was made by M-Tec Specialist Metal Fabricators and Consultants, Junction Street, Darwen.