'Garish' mural withdrawn after 160 complaints

Plans for a new mural in a town centre have been withdrawn after more than 150 people objected to the design.

Wakefield Council said it planned to carry out more public engagement before submitting fresh proposals for a public artwork in Ossett.

Images of the mural by artist Shiraaz Ali were put out for consultation in February.

It featured symbols of the town's historic links to the textile industry and images of the Gawthorpe World Coal Carrying Championship, Maypole celebrations and Beercart procession.

A planning application for the installation received 163 objections, with just six comments in support.

Julie Russell, the council's service director for arts, said a new design would be developed alongside the community and artist, with a fresh application expected to be submitted this summer.

She said: "We'll be meeting with local heritage groups to discuss ideas for the new design. This will then go on public display so that the local community can share their thoughts."

A design statement said Mr Ali had consulted more than 350 local people before producing the work, including schools and community groups.

It said: "This design aims to create a welcoming mural for Ossett which engages people of all ages and backgrounds.

"The design uses the patterns found within the town hall and to create iconic diamonds which highlight each aspect of Ossett in a joyful way."

One objector said the design was "garish, lacks elegance and would very quickly become an eyesore".

"My main objection is that this style of mural is not in keeping with the buildings around it especially the recently renovated Town Hall," they added.

Another stated: "Asking a group of kids their opinion is not taking into account the views of the townsfolk who actually know its heritage.

"Please don't make us a laughing stock by proceeding with this - it needs careful thought and consultation before proceeding."

The "coal race" has seen competitors haul sacks of coal through the streets in the neighbouring village of Gawthorpe every Easter Monday since 1964.

The Maypole celebrations date back to 1875, with colourful floats and fancy dress fundraisers joining a parade through Gawthorpe and Ossett.

Ossett Beercart is a weekend of Morris dancing, family fun and beer drinking.

The town's historic links to the heavy woollen industry and the production of mungo and shoddy were also strongly featured in the design.

Mr Ali said the mural was a "contemporary interpretation" of Ossett's crest, which depicts the town's main industries, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The artist said he also took inspiration from the town's Latin motto 'Inutile Utile Ex Arte', which translates to "useless things made useful through skill".

The statement added: "The design intends to evoke joy to the locals and tourists alike through the use of colour choices and elements but also aims to remind the youth of the town's motto and encourages them to hone their skills and become a master of what they do."

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