Petition against sculptures in Slaithwaite woodland

Jun 26 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THOUSANDS of pounds worth of artwork in a local beauty spot has been labelled an ‘eyesore’ by residents.

Slaithwaite locals Sylvia Gibbins and Heather Coupland have collected 250 names on a petition against the ‘sound mirrors’ in the area’s picnic area.

They say the £10,000 saucer-shaped metal artwork is ruining Rotcher Picnic site.

Heather Coupland lives near to the woodland off Howgate Road.

The 59-year-old said: "They’re just absolutely an eyesore. They’re not in keeping with the environment.

“They are on a concrete base that was put on top of the daffodils we planted.”

Mrs Coupland and Mrs Gibbins have looked after the wooded area for over 30 years.

Mrs Gibbins said: “We have cared for this picnic walk and are together visitors to the site.

“We have picked up rubbish and planted daffodils and we walk through every day.

“This is with full knowledge of, and help from the countryside unit.”