NOT surprisingly, controversy arises regarding the proposed erection of a monument on Musbury Tor at Helmshore (LET, July 18).

I agree with the general consensus - that the modern art interpretation of an angel is a monstrosity.

A local artist claims the Angel of the North statue at Gateshead is spectacular and a huge success - evidently, the view of the sort of small minority which bulldozes through its discreditable opinions as absolutes.

Traditional intricate classical art and architecture require a natural aptitude, skill and inspiration. Modern art is relatively simple, easier and cheaper to produce.

Examples of such modern art at Blackburn include metal 'trees' and a 'musical' representation affronting the classical features of the Public Halls, foisted on the town by the autocratic town hall executives.

The Evening Telegraph's superimposed picture of the Gateshead Angel standing on Musbury Tor ought to deter the notion of any such ridiculous folly.

A giant windmill containing a generator so it could be illuminated at night would be more spectacular.

And if people do fancy an elevated Millennium landmark, a tower - such as Darwen's and the Peel Tower at Holcombe - has always been acceptable.

J A MARSDEN, Scarborough Road, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.