THE unveiling of Ramsbottom's controversial urn has been put back a month.

The huge bronze sculpture, which has polarised opinion in the town, was due to be officially unveile on Saturday (May 16).

But engineering difficulties in fixing the vase in its Market Place home means the project has been put back until mid-June.

Experts worried that the sculpture, which weighs several tons, might come off its moorings.

Engineers for the artist, Edward Allington, are working with Bury Council officers to solve the problems.

The Grecian style vase, pictured undergoing recent finishing touches, is just one of many works which will comprise the Irwell Sculpture Trail. Funded by the National Lottery, it will stretch from Salford to Rossendale.

But Mr Allington's design has been attacked by critics complaining that it has nothing to do with Ramsbottom's heritage.

Ms Cathy Newbery, sculpture trail co-ordinator, said: "Because the vase has been made off-site, it was only when preparations for installation at Market Place began that certain difficulties became apparent.

"These revolve around fixing the sculpture in place and ensuring that there are no problems with movement at a later date."

She added: "Obviously we are all very disappointed that there will be a slight delay, but Ed's work is one of the showcase pieces of the Irwell Sculpture Trail and we want to get it right."

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