Bright outcome for art protestors

The Headland is the oldest part of Hartlepool

Plans for a series of light sculptures on Hartlepool's historic Headland have been scaled down.

Residents who live along the promenade were upset by the original plans which proposed putting one of the structures within a few metres their homes.

After discussions with local people, planners have decided to build two sculptures instead of four.

It is hoped the "major" pieces of public art will have the same effect as Gateshead's Angel of the North and attract tourists to the area.

The thought that I would have a light sculpture just outside my window was so horrifying, I nearly had a nervous breakdown

Bill Allen, objector

Objector Bill Allen told BBC Radio Cleveland he was relieved at the decision not to build a sculpture near his home.

He said: "I wrote a letter asking people living nearby if they wanted a light sculpture near their home.

"We got a very large majority of people saying they didn't want these silly things."

Mr Allen lives near the piece of land called Fairy Cove which was one of the rejected sites.

He said: "I am immensely relieved. I have a house that overlooks the North Bay with panoramic views of the sea.

"The thought that I would have a light sculpture just outside my window was so horrifying, I nearly had a nervous breakdown."

Sea views

Paul Catterall, Hartlepool Council's principal landscape architect, said he was not disappointed at the change in plans.

He said the outcome was a "happy compromise".

The two sculptures will be situated at the top of Thorpe Street and on the town moor

Mr Catterall added: "We have been able to avoid affecting people's sea views from their properties which was one of the residents' main concerns.

"They will be iconic pieces of art in the same way as the Angel of North."