RESIDENTS opposed to an outdoor sculpture, which could become an international landmark, have handed in a 500-name petition to the Mayor of Bury.

A huge bronze Grecian urn, to be sited in front of the Grant Arms in Market Place, Ramsbottom, heralds the start of the £2.3million Irwell Sculpture Trail.

But locals claim the piece, to be built by acclaimed artist Edward Allington, is an insult to Ramsbottom's heritage.

Now, residents and traders, who claim there was no consultation between themselves and the decision-making panel who commissioned the work, have joined forces to try to stop the sculpture from being built.

They want it replaced by a sculpture which is a symbol of Ramsbottom's history.

But Bury Council claim the artwork clearly represents the town's heritage and will be a major focal point.

A panel, made up of councillors, representatives of Ramsbottom Heritage and Ramsbottom 2000, approved the three-metre high controversial design.

Mr Eric Gathergood of Lumb Carr Road said: "We want something that celebrates Ramsbottom, not a piece of work that has nothing whatsoever to do with the town.

"Everyone I have spoken to is annoyed at the design of the sculpture. They can't see what relevance a Greek urn has in Ramsbottom."

This week Mr Gathergood collected in excess of 500 signatures, opposed to the art piece, to give to Mayor of Bury Coun Roy Walker.

"This just shows how strongly people are against the Grecian Urn. It just isn't wanted," he said. The sculpture trail is being paid for through the largest National Lottery grant handed out for public art in Britain. It will feature 50 pieces of work along a 30-mile route from Rossendale to Salford Quays, much of it through Bury.

Bury Council's arts development officer Mr Tony Trehy said the sculpture would be a major boost to Ramsbottom's economy by attracting visitors from all over the world.

Mr Trehy said: "I understand their concerns but the sculpture is very relevant to the town's heritage.

"It reflects Ramsbottom's past reliance on water and its method of construction makes reference to the area's industrial history.

"If the people of Ramsbottom are serious about generating tourism and improving the economy they should welcome the sculpture."

He added the design was decided by a representative body.

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