Sculpture display plan branded 'morally wrong'

Plans to put a series of Nottinghamshire sculptures on public display for the first time in 40 years have been labelled a "waste of money" and "morally wrong".

The Kiddey Stones, made of four large sandstone panels, were originally installed at Wilford Power Station but have been in storage since the 1980s.

Newark and Sherwood District Council has proposed moving them to its headquarters at Castle House and using them as part of an art trail around Newark town centre.

But of 881 responses to a consultation, more than 57% rejected the idea with many saying the estimated £81,240 cost would be better spent elsewhere.

Sculptor Robert Kiddey was born in Nottingham in 1900, attained international recognition and taught in Newark for 50 years.

The stones, which have been cleaned and restored, depict different aspects of electricity production.

Plans to install them as a "free-standing public art installation" were approved in principle by the council cabinet in June - subject to a public consultation.

The results of this have now been published and show a majority against the scheme.

Responses focused on value for money, with statements including:

• "In these times of shortage of funds I think it is a waste of public money."
• "It is morally wrong to spend money on some rocks."
• "No thanks, spend the money on infrastructure or repair roads."
• "Highly disrespectful to all residents to think about such vanity projects."

However nearly 41% of responses were supportive and mainly focussed on the cultural and historical significance of Kiddey's work to the area.

One person said: "Absolutely brilliant. It’s about time this was displayed publicly."

Another said: "Art routes, especially when showing works by nationally renowned artists, bring tourism."

The results from the survey will now be presented to cabinet for consideration on 10 December.

Rowan Cozens, portfolio holder for heritage, culture and the arts, insisted she was "not disappointed" with the results and pointed out the police and civic trust were supportive.

"These incredible sculptures were given to the people of Newark and have languished for nearly 40 years.

"While 13 different sites for them have been explored in the past, they are still not available for the public to view which I feel is a travesty and something we must re-consider," she said.

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