Shelley Fountain's future to be decided following auction

The Rising Universe was removed from the Bishopric on Sunday June 19.

The central globe of the statue was discovered by reader Debbie Fitzpatrick, in Les Searle’s storage yard in Parsonage Road a few days later.

Horsham District Council said the controversial sculpture would remain in storage until a new home was found.

A council spokesman said: “The Rising Universe sculpture known locally as the Shelley Fountain was advertised through the Summers Place Auction website.

“The bid process closed on Friday 24 June. The various bids are now being considered.”

A new planting area, including 16 new birch trees, has been created in place of the sculpture, incorporating the fountain’s old splash pool.

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