THE new designs for a huge statue in Accrington have been welcomed by the leader of Hyndburn Council after he branded the original proposals "daft".

Councillor Peter Britcliffe led the call for Hyndburn to pull out of the first round of the Panopticon Project, which will see public works of art in all six boroughs of the region by 2007.

In 2003 the organisers, Mid Pennine Arts, were sent back to the drawing board when the council blocked the design of a UFO landing on the Coppice, in Peel Park.

But three new designs - a series of giant mounds, called Landroom, a wooden tower and viewing platform, called the Coppice Wind Tower, and a giant mirror to reflect the countryside and sky - were revealed this week, as part of phase two of the project, which also includes Burnley and the Ribble Valley.

These have gone out to public consultation.

Designs in Blackburn, Pendle and Rossendale have already been chosen.

Coun Britcliffe said: "I am more encouraged by these designs - these ones aren't daft like the others were.

"I am reluctant to say which I feel is the most suitable because I don't want to pre-empt the public consultation. However, there is certainly one that I feel will meet with people's approval.

"I would urge members of the public to go and have a look at them and give us their views. I am anxious that they tell us what they want. But I do hope they come up with the one I like!"

Coun Jean Battle, leader of the Labour opposition group, said she was glad the new designs were more "low key".

She said: "I hope that we consider the three designs that have been submitted and choose one of them. We do need something to draw people in to have a look."

The designs are on display until Monday, January 24, at Accrington Central Library, St James' Street; Accrington Town Hall; Accrington and Rossendale College, Sandy Lane; Asda, Hyndburn Road; Hyndburn Sports Centre, Henry Street, Church, and Huncoat Primary School, Lynwood Road.