Sun sculpture gets go-ahead

The seven metre high piece of public artwork is being created by sculptor Pete Codling to brighten up the junction of the High Street and the London Road precinct.

Made of copper and gold leaf, it will acquire a verdigris finish over time. A plinth will form a seat around its base. A 28,000 budget from an Arts Council grant is covering the scheme's cost.

Mr Codling is at the halfway mark of the sculpture after months of work in his Southsea studio.

He said last week: 'It is coming along well. I'm at the middle of the sculpture so far. Once I get past this stage, it is case of when it can be installed in the town centre because it involves digging up that part of the High Street.'

The sculpture will be sited outside the Abbey bank branch at the spot from which blue rays of paving radiate across the pavement.