THE base of a landmark sculpture in Darwen is in such a poor state, it "makes people turn back", a councillor claims.
The controversial £27,000 'Arte et Labore' statue, at the junction of Lower Eccleshill Road link road and the M65, was officially unveiled in November 1999 and shows a twice life-size figure lying across a slab of stone.
But Coun David Fenton, of Earcroft Ward, says its base is an eyesore and he has received numerous complaints from residents about it.
He said: "There is rubble and overgrown land around it but there should be something nice like grass to make the statue stand out.
"It's quite an issue. People are coming to Darwen and see that and turn round and go home."
A council spokesman from the direct services department met with Coun Fenton yesterday to view the problem first-hand.
Coun Fenton said: "Hopefully we will be able to get it tidied up."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article