STRIKING steel silhouettes are welcoming shoppers to an Accrington car park.

The eye-catching cut-outs have been bolted to a wall of the refurbished Dowry Street car park in front of Friar Court. Senior citizens at the sheltered accommodation have given the steel sculptures a mixed reception.

Warden Sylvia Alty said: "I like them and they are certainly better than a brick wall. They're a nice talking point and the more people talk about Accrington, the more people will want to come here."

Friar Court resident Marjorie Nicholson is worried about possible vandalism. She said: "I am concerned about the damage that might be done to them but I suppose we will get used to them in time."

Cleaner Mary Wilson, of Dowry Street, said: "They look really effective and the whole car park is a big improvement."

Some residents feel the street art is a waste of council money.

Warden Mrs Alty added: "It has probably cost less than having three men spend three days building a wall."

The silhouettes include a mum pushing a pram, a pensioner in a flat cap with a walking stick, and a girl holding a dog on a lead. They are part of a council refurbishment to land a gold badge for secure car parking at Dowry Street.

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