Fury over twist in tale of sculpture

The chairman of Shrewsbury Public Art Partnership, which helped commission a new £350,000 Darwin sculpture in the town, has hit out after learning that it is out of alignment.

Angry Graham Galliers said the piece of public art, which it has been claimed could be as iconic as the Angel of the North, would look "ridiculous" in its current form and leave a legacy of embarrassment.

He has labelled the situation as "unacceptable" and is demanding a quick resolution to the technical problems.

Mr Galliers, speaking on behalf of the partnership team formed by members of the private sector and the former Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council, said he did not want to see Darwin's memory tarnished by the sculpture.

He said: "I would like to express our extreme disappointment on discovering a significant problem with the Quantum Leap sculpture.

"I only found out about the issue last Monday, although I understand that other parties were already aware of it. While I have no active on-site role, but am merely the chairman of the SPAP, I am most concerned that the current work does not comply with technical drawings or specifications.

"My belief is that it will look ridiculous in its present form and it is not acceptable. I am hopeful that the contract administrator will find out where the fault lies and resolve the issue."

Mr Galliers also said he did not believe Shropshire Council should be liable for any additional costs.

He said: "In my view it is no different to building a bridge that does not meet in the middle. I trust all this will be resolved at an early meeting next week between all parties."

Nobody was available for comment today from Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd, the company responsible for building the 12-metre high sculpture and geo garden at Mardol Quay Gardens.

Earlier this week Shropshire Council business development manager, Dominic Wallis said the structure had been hit by technical problems which may never be resolved. However he said he was hopeful the issues would be rectified.

By Russell Roberts