Art or wood?

We jokingly wondered how many different, creative ways the wood could be recycled, a good community activity or competition, our favourite as you might expect was a piece of public art, which has cost the residents little or no money and one which gives a sense of history.

Speaking of public art, I am aware that the Worthing Arts Council was not involved in choosing or even being able to participate in the choice of leading artist, the one chosen was not I believe a local person though local professional artists applied for the job.

The result, the panel led by the deputy leader of the council, selects the "least worst", of four choices, the consultation of which was hidden away in the museum included a handbag (is this a reminiscence of Lady Thatcher?), a pineapple and something else which I can't even remember it was so awe inspiring.

Luckily it lights up at night so those residents near Splash Point will be able to see what's going on.

Did you know of the public consultation?

If we are going to spend 70k of tax payers money, can we not use local professional groups to consider the outcome which will one expects will be around for a long time.

Give the public a real chance to view the possibilities and give them more choice, even allow them to say none of the above!

Talking of money, who gets the money from the bio fuel made from the chippings from our wooden sculptures, the insurers, the Ice Prince or the borough council?

How much has it cost us already in overtime, equipment and extra safety measures, I'd guess a great deal of money?

When will it or indeed, will we get it all back, months or years '“ your guess is as good as mine ?

What I know however, is that it has impinged on Worthing residents and their quality of life in light and air pollution, smoke, it even reached Tarring, and inconvenience and frustration, even though looking on the light side, it did give us a topic to take our minds off the every day problems of life, the bane of our lives, council tax!

Hazel Thorpe PPC Worthing West & East Arun

High Street

Tarring