By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-02-01 11:21:44 | Updated at 2025-02-01 13:59:07
2 hours ago
A row has erupted in Nottinghamshire over two public art projects after local councillors insisted that the council's decision to shell out thousands on relocating stone sculptures was "great value".
The dispute stemmed from Newark and Sherwood District Council's decision to spend £87,000 on moving the historic sculptures, which has received backlash from local Conservatives.
Meanwhile, the same Conservative Councillors have defended their party's £37,400 contribution to Scrooby Rock, a £60,000 sculpture commemorating the Pilgrim Fathers near the South Yorkshire border.
The Kiddey Stones, designed by sculptor Robert Kiddey, depict industrial production throughout history and had been in storage for 40 years.
Scrooby Rock honours the Pilgrim Fathers who sailed to America in 1620
Nottinghamshire County Council
The project received £37,400 from Nottinghamshire County Council, with the remainder funded by local donations.
Scrooby Rock, unveiled in September 2024, honours the Pilgrim Fathers who sailed to America in 1620 aboard the Mayflower.
The £60,000 sculpture includes the names of all 102 Mayflower passengers and acknowledges the Wampanoag people whose land they settled.
The sculpture holds particular local significance, given that around 25 million Americans can trace their ancestry to the Mayflower passengers, with many originating from Scrooby village.
The funding decision was made under former Conservative Kay Cutts' leadership in 2019, with the row coming to a head during the County Council's Overview Committee meeting earlier this month.
Independent Councillor Francis Purdue-Horan challenged what he called Conservative "hypocrisy" in supporting Scrooby Rock while opposing Newark's project
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Independent Councillor Francis Purdue-Horan challenged what he called Conservative "hypocrisy" in supporting Scrooby Rock while opposing Newark's project.
Firing back, Conservative Councillor Bruce Laughton explained that Scrooby Rock's funding was approved by the "previous administration" in 2019, declining to elaborate further.
Following the meeting, Cllr Purdue-Horan pressed the issue, saying: "The Conservatives need to explain why spending £40,000 near Yorkshire is acceptable, but Newark's project isn't."
In a joint statement, five Newark Conservative County Councillors defended their contrasting positions on the two projects, arguing that Scrooby Rock would benefit the local economy by attracting American tourists.
"Cllr Purdue-Horan should focus on residents' priorities and urge his independent colleagues to heed public opinion. We remain committed to delivering for Newark," the Conservative councillors said, including Councillors Sue Saddington, Sam Smith, Bruce Laughton, Keith Girling, and Johno Lee.
