THE future of a public arts project will come under the spotlight at a consultation event this weekend.

A final meeting will this week gauge support for the Panopticons project, dubbed 'a glowing beacon to valley's future'.

The Halo design, if approved, will be sited on the Top O'th Slate, Rawtenstall, and seen from the M66.

The idea is part of a plan to put up a series of eye-catching landmarks on East Lancashire hills. So far, consultations in Rossendale have been met with positive comments and suggestions for the design.

Blackburn and Pendle have agreed to take part in the project but Hyndburn Council rejected a plan to erect a "flying saucer", at a cost of £50,000, on the Coppice overlooking Accrington.

Kemple View, in Ribble Valley and Crown Point, in Burnley, have also been identified as possible sites.

The £1million scheme, aimed at boosting tourism and raising the profile of the area, has the backing of the North West Development Agency, a body set up to promote the region.

A presentation will be introduced this weekend in Rossendale by Ken Claxon, head of culture at Rossendale Borough Council, and Nick Hunt, Director of Mid-Pennine Arts. Lancashire architect John Kennedy will be presenting designs for his prize-winning piece, Halo, which he has designed keeping costs to a minimum.

John is planning to produce a Halo, 20 metres in diameter, standing five metres off the ground on a tripod.

The circular steel mesh creation will be lit from underneath, via solar panels to make it appear as if it is hovering above the ground.

Margaret O'Keeffe, arts development officer at Rossendale Council, said: "The design has been well received so far as being a great focal point for the Valley.

"This final consultation is for residents who are interested in seeing the designs and having their say. The ideas and suggestions will be taken into consideration and presented to Rossendale Borough Council."

The Panopticon presentation will take place on Saturday, April 17, from noon at the Mary Hindle Resource Centre, 12 Bury Road, Haslingden.