PUBLIC art is creating a Mad Hatter's Tea Party in Oswaldtwistle, claims local councillor Peter Britcliffe.

Six stone sculptures of hats through the ages have been erected outside Oswaldtwistle youth and community centre, Harvey Street.

But they have headed into controversy similar to two years ago when an art scheme in Union Road - cups and saucers on concrete tables - was branded 'a waste of money.'

Tory councillor Britcliffe said : "This joins the tea garden near the supermarket. It's becoming rather like a Mad Hatter's tea party. It would be laughable if it wasn't such a waste of council tax payers money."

The bulk of the £2,300 project, based on ideas from young people who use the centre, has been funded by a Hyndburn Council grant. The county council has contributed £150 and the young people £150. Coun Britcliffe praised the 'excellent wood carvings' created at Foxhill Bank nature reserve in a previous project by the young people.

But he said of the latest sculptures : "They look like a cross between Stonehenge and something on Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

"I really don't know whether the public will share my view. It is their money being spent." he added.

Labour coun Bill Goldsmith, vice-chairman of Hyndburn development services committee, said : "Coun Britcliffe is a Philistine and I'm glad he doesn't teach my children. He should know better. If we cut out art, we deprive our children of culture."

Coun Goldsmith said the Union Road sitting area was so popular more seats had been added and the furore over that scheme had been fuelled by Coun Britcliffe.

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