PUBLIC art earmarked for Blackburn town centre is gathering dust because of health and safety delays.

The £40,000 decorative clay plates are meant to be displayed on the side of the ramp up to the Mall car park at the top of Darwen Street.

Despite being completed more than six months ago, they are still in storage in the town hall while the council and The Mall debate who should cover the insurance in case they fall off.

Council bosses say they will be put in as soon as “legal paperwork” is completed.

John Wilson, sales director of Shaw’s of Darwen, which made the moulds for the plates, said: “It was more than six months ago - I think it was back in 2007.

“There was a big rush to get them out at the time, and I am surprised they are not on site yet.”

Local artist Halima Cassell has designed the pieces, which are decorated with flowers to tie in with Lancashire’s logo.

She said: “As far as I know it’s all ready to go in, it’s just a matter of time and the legalities between the council and the Mall.

“We have tried to do something that grabs people’s attention. I can’t wait until it goes up.”

Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: "This is a difficult project in terms of a busy pedestrian thoroughfare.

“The artwork will involve large clay pieces of art hanging on the wall and there are procedures which need to be followed.

“It is important that we have followed all the processes in terms of health and safety and protection for the owner of the wall, the Mall.

Once the legal paperwork has been completed, the artwork will be installed."