STAINDROP’S lack of a work of public art was highlighted during the parish council’s latest meeting.
The issue was raised by Cllr Ed Chicken who noted most villages have artwork, and pointed to the Roman Way picnic area at Barnard Castle, the Spitfire sculpture on Winston Bridge, the Air piece at Whistle Cragg and the ironwork at the entrance to Gainford.
He also noted the works of iron sculptor Ray Lonsdale who works, such as Tommy at Seaham, had become iconic.
He said: “What occurred to me was that Staindrop, unlike so many other places, doesn’t have any public art.”
Cllr Chicken added that he had been in touch with Durham County Council’s community cultural co-ordinator Deborah Connell who had said any attempt to get a work of art would have to receive widespread public support.
Ideas he suggested for a work could be King Cnut’s links to the village, the Staindrop band that led the parade at the launch of the Stockton Darlington Railway, Jeremiah Dixon, the village’s agricultural base or a reference to the nearby deer park.
Cllr Chicken said Durham County Council was prepared to pay for a professional to carry out consultations and to get to a stage where funding could be sought for the artwork. While supportive of the idea, chairman Cllr Jonothan Raper said he worried about the cost considering the current financial situation and wondered if people would rather have something else, such as a hard-core play area for teenagers.
Cllr Chicken responded that there are funds available specifically for public artworks.
Cllr Raper said: “I do agree we don’t have anything in the village, but we just need to be careful how we get what we get and what restrictions are laid on us by the source of the funding.”
Cllr Roger Humphries added: “I do think it is worth pursuing. I just hope we don’t end up with sheep.”
The council agreed to support Cllr Chicken as he further investigates the issue.
