A total of 2,275 people had their say in the poll, with a number making written comments both praising and criticising the sculpture, created to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of the naturalist.

And the final results show that a narrow majority of just over 53 per cent believe the sculpture, in Mardol Quay Gardens, is a waste of taxpayers’ money, compared to those who believe it is worth the cash.

According to the final results more people say the Charles Darwin artwork is not good value for money with 46.7 per cent people saying it is worth the cash.

The sculpture has come under criticism after Shropshire Council agreed to increase the anticipated final budget for the project by £100,000 to £450,000, however, it has also won a number of people over, leading to the close results.

One person wrote: “There needs to be a public inquiry into how councillors spend public money.”

Another added: “I think this sculpture is a sheer waste of taxpayers’ money – it is one of the ugliest things I have ever seen.”

But others have previously voiced support for the artwork, which was dedicated by Darwin’s great, great-grandson Randal Keynes earlier this month, who said he believed it had the power to change minds like Darwin himself.

Council business development manager Dominic Wallis has said he believed many would change their minds when they saw it with its associated geo garden.

By John Kirk