IT CAUSED fury among locals and was targeted by vandals, but now a controversial artwork 'eyesore' is repaired and back on Blackpool promenade.

The £29,315 Frankenstein Project, a grey gas tank-like structure containing a whale skeleton, was attacked last summer by vandals who smashed the glazing on one of the tank's portholes.

Later the word 'eyesore' was daubed on the side of the 25ft grey metal tank, prompting its removal in September by Blackpool Borough Council.

But a Blackburn company has repaired and replaced the glazing, repainted the tank, and made other improvements at a cost of £6,000, to restore the artwork. The money has been taken from a fund which pays for new promenade artworks.

The council commissioned the Frankenstein Project in 2001 as part of its Great Promenade Show initiative for New South Promenade, which also includes a spiky metal sculpture, a gigantic glitterball and a musical windfarm.

Frankenstein's creator, Tony Stallard, wanted to produce a 'contemporary freak show warning of sinister outcomes when tampering with nature' according to Blackpool Town Hall.

But what was supposed to be a reference to the way Victorian Blackpool cashed in on freak shows ended up causing outrage among some locals who said it was like a septic tank and a monstrosity.

Blackpool councillor David Owen, portfolio holder for culture, said: "We are pleased to have a refurbished Frankenstein back in place. We know that Frankenstein is loved by some and hated by others, but we have been encouraged by the wishes of many to have it reinstated."

He added: "I think everyone would agree that it was an eyesore after the vandalism attack and this was precisely why we had to do something about it.

"The council takes a dim view of this type of mindless destruction and will pursue aggressively all vandals."

And the council plans to unveil three new works on New South Promenade in the new year, completing what it calls the Great Promenade Show. The completed collection of ten works will span 2km of the promenade.

A Town Hall spokeswoman said the Great Promenade Show 'continues to receive critical acclaim' including praise from the body which commissioned public art for Euro-tunnel's French & UK terminals.

"And Blackpool's popular mirrorball is the image on the Arts Council of England's corporate Christmas card," she added.

What do you think? Are you pleased to see Frankenstein, and what it stands for, back on the prom? Or do you think it's a monster that should be removed permanently?

E-mail your views to nikki.masters@blackpoolcitizen.co.uk telephone 292005 or write to Nikki at Blackpool Citizen, 13/13a Clifton Street, Blackpool, FY1 1JD.