Roundabout home for steel swans

It is hoped the sculpture will become a landmark for Bedford

Steel swans are to take flight over a roundabout south of Bedford.

The swans, part of a £250,000 sculpture to be built in the next few weeks, will grace a major roundabout on the A421 outside Kempston.

The sculpture, designed by local artist Susannah Oliver, will depict two steel swans soaring 15 feet above stylised chimneys and trees made from brick.

It is hoped it will become a town landmark and a symbol of its history and regeneration.

Around 9,000 specially-made bricks will create a base to reflect the brick kilns that are part of the history of Marston Vale.

The funding has come from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Countryside Agency, the Forest of Marston Vale, the Highways Agency, Hanson Building Products and the Borough Council.

Mayor of Bedford Frank Branston said: "I am absolutely delighted that this partnership has come together to create such a spectacular landmark for Bedford."

Tony Talbot, from the charity The Forest of Marston Vale that is concerned with creating public green space in the vale, welcomed the project.

"It's an important gateway to our forest and an important way of drawing attention to what we're trying to do in the environment."