Locals have hit out at ‘pointless’ cow and sheep statues in their town that cost taxpayers £43,000 but look like they are made of ‘papier-mâché’.
The controversial sculptures – most of which are about knee-high – in Spalding, Linconshire, were unveiled last weekend to celebrate the area’s agricultural heritage.
Shaped into the likeness of a Lincoln Red Cattle and Lincoln Long Wool Sheep, they were funded by a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is allocated by the Government and then distributed by the local council.
But some residents were baffled with the ‘bizarre’ animal statues and branded them a ‘waste of public money’.
Many locals questioned whether taxpayers’ cash could have been spent better elsewhere improving the ‘run-down town’.
Others said that while it may be ‘cute for selfies’ it is ultimately a ‘vanity project’ and called on local leaders to fix potholes and ‘crumbling’ roads instead.
Father-of-one Frank Caswell, 48, who has lived in the town his whole life, said: ‘They are just a bit pointless and look made from papier-mâché.
‘There are far better things the council could be allocating money towards as the town is becoming run down.
Sculptor Graeme Mitcheson with the statues in Spalding town centre
South Holland District Chairman, Andrew Woolf, Sir John Hayes and Jan Whitbourn pictured unveiling the sculptures
‘We’ve got crumbling roads and potholes that need fixing, or invest it into our schools or NHS.
‘And to top it off, they just don’t look very good – I just find them a little bizarre.’
Benjamin Elks, grassroots development officer at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, added: ‘Taxpayers are fed up seeing their hard-earned money spent on vanity projects while essential services are under pressure.
‘Dropping £43,000 on stone sheep and cattle might be cute for selfies, but it’s no comfort to residents dealing with potholes and council tax hikes.
‘Instead of carving up public funds for pet projects, local leaders should focus on fixing what really matters.’
Spalding and District Civic Society introduced the sculptures by Brit sculptor Graeme Mitcheson in the hope they would ‘bring history to life’.
However, some locals took to social media to point out it was the town at present that needed life breathing back into it.
David Barfoot said on Facebook: ‘It still results in money being wasted, use it where it’s more required. Walk through the centre of the town, the place is run-down.
‘Make rates or rates cheaper for the people who are trying to run businesses in a run-down centre. I am just used to being disappointed in the way South Holland (The Forgotten County) is being run, from top to bottom.’
Julie Pickering added: ‘As a local born and bred I totally appreciate Spalding’s market town history, however they will be vandalised and they look like they’ve just been dumped in town. No thought as gone into this. A total waste of money.’
The controversial sculptures – most of which are about knee-high – in Spalding, Linconshire, were unveiled last weekend to celebrate the area’s agricultural heritage
Greg Weedon posted: ‘Maybe this money should be spent on policing or education or other things lacking in Spalding. I’m sure the funds for this vanity project by our great and good would be far better if used for the good of the people, not some stupid stone sheep.’
Others were more positive, with Peter Norris writing: ‘Why are the people of Spalding so negative? I love going to towns that have different things to see, and it represents the towns history. Personally I love them.’
Sarah Horne said: ‘I think they’re super cute. A nice little addition to brighten the town up a bit. There are some real misery guts on Facebook, not happy unless they’re complaining’
In a statement, John Bland, chair of Spalding and District Civic Society, said: ‘The MARK-IT Trail, when complete, will feature quality sculptures themed around the town’s historical markets.
‘The two new artworks have been strategically placed in streets traditionally used for animal sales – Sheep Market for sheep, New Road for cattle.
‘Further commissions recalling the sale of horses, pigs, poultry and dairy produce are planned. The aim is to revitalise the historic market area of the town and highlight South Holland’s significant contribution to the nation’s food supply.
‘By reintroducing representations of sheep, cattle, and poultry into the town centre through sculptures and other artwork, the initiative not only aims to enhance the town and let newcomers know about its heritage but also to attract visitors, potentially boosting local tourism and footfall.
‘These statues have been delivered by the Spalding and District Civic Society and Transported Art, with support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund awarded by South Holland District Council. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund, funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, was designed to support town centre regeneration.
‘Whilst the project received £43,000 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, over £9,000 ended up going back to the Government in VAT.
‘This is because as a registered charity the Society could not reclaim the VAT element. In addition, it is likely that many of those who have benefitted from the contracts awarded will pay income tax and national insurance contributions.
Many locals questioned whether taxpayers’ cash could have been spent better elsewhere improving the ‘run-down town’
‘The Society received generous private donations exceeding £40,000, so the actual amount of public money spent on the project was less than half of the overall cost.
‘The Society therefore feels that the delivery of these striking sculptures that are expected to last 100 years or more actually represents excellent value for public money.
‘When added to the other attractions in the town such as Ayscoughfee Hall Museum & Gardens, Chain Bridge Forge, Spalding Gentlemen’s Society Museum, the walks on the riverside, St Mary & St Nicolas Church and our unique independent shops such as Bookmark, they will very much be part of the wider offer that Spalding has to encourage people to visit the town for a day or half a day and enjoy what Spalding has to offer.
‘Boston has its ‘Stump’ and quays, Stamford its honey-coloured Georgian buildings as seen in TV period dramas.
‘When complete, might the MARK-IT Trail be Spalding’s special feature, its magic touch of difference from other Lincolnshire towns that brings in visitors?
‘After all, our sculpture ‘The Hiring’ has been shown several times on TV as a symbol of Spalding, and the way that children are interacting with the sheep, with delight on their faces, is a joy to behold.’
