Sculpture branded ‘a rip-off’ (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Sculpture branded ‘a rip-off’

7:00pm Monday 10th July 2006 in

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A CONTROVERSIAL piece of artwork planned for part of Blackburn's town centre regeneration has been branded a "ludicrous rip-off".

It comes after the Evening Telegraph revealed that a 32ft light sculpture, dubbed the light sabre, was to form the centrepiece of the £1.2million Sudell Cross revamp.

Today it emerged that the stainless steel structure which will be programmed to change colours will cost £75,900, and of that £14,000 will be spent on fees paid to the artist.

The other £61,900 will be spent on the building costs.

Town centre chiefs said it was not just a matter of spending public money and that it would contribute to boosting the area that is hoped will become a thriving pedestrianised plaza.

The column, called the Braid, will be made of stainless steel and will have a number of LEDs (light emitting diodes) within the braids. It will stand on the site of an old Victorian lamppost.

It was designed by Newcastle artist Simon Watkinson, who is regarded as a leader in the field of public art works using lighting and was behind major projects in his city and Salford.

But Coun Paul Browne, former leader of the Lib Dems, said: "The landmarks in this borough are going up and up in price. There's no way that I can support a landmark scheme that's £61,900 plus £14,000 in fees until I or anyone in this council can convince me it's value for money."

The Sudell ward councillor added: "I think we are being ripped off, I think it's absolutely ludicrous."

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, said that he was still entirely supportive of the scheme.

He added: "I think Paul tends to go off on one about public art, I don't think he realises the potential for local businesses to get involved."

Coun Kay said that it was not just a matter of spending money but providing a boost to the area.

Mike Murray, chairman of the Blackburn with Darwen economic partnership board, said that because of the nature of public art it can be hard to prove their value.

Sudell Cross improvement scheme is being paid for by the North West Development Agency through the town centre renaissance programme.

In April, the pedestrianisation scheme caused controversy after it was revealed £105,200 had been spent on Chinese flags.