THESE “mudlarks” had fun on The Piazza in Huddersfield.

But while their frolics brought a smile to the faces of passers-by, it did not go down too well with Kirklees Council officials.

They ordered a Huddersfield artist to remove the mannequins, which he had placed in the muddy mess.

The artist, who does not want to be named, staged the stunt to draw attention to the sorry state The Piazza is in at the moment.

It has been left looking like a ploughed field after the removal of the Christmas ice-rink and council officials are still waiting to start work to repair the damage.

Earlier this month, the council blamed drainage problems for the delay.

Bad weather and heavy machinery used to remove the ice rink have left the spot in a mess.

Kirklees Council have apologised to the public about the conditions of the ground.

The artist, who had the mannequins for an art project, said: “It was to draw attention to the mess that is currently The Piazza.