Swans to return after protests

The removal of the swan sculpture prompted lots of protests

A swan sculpture which was removed from a West Sussex shopping centre after 17 years is to be reinstated next year.

It was removed without warning from the Swan Walk arcade in Horsham on Sunday, prompting a record number of protest e-mails and letters to the local press.

Managers of the centre said it was removed after an environmental and safety review was carried out.

But following talks this week, Horsham District Council has now said it will be brought back in the New Year.

Nigel Friswell, vice-president of the Horsham Society, had said the response to the removal of the bronze sculpture had been amazing.

"I never realised how precious the swans were to the people of Horsham," he said.

Refurbishment works

Speaking on Wednesday, chief executive of Horsham District Council, Tom Crowley, said a way forward had been agreed after talks with the owners of Swan Walk, Morley Fund Management.

He said a joint consultation would be initiated with local organisations and the wider community about the details of where within the centre would be the best location for the swans.

"Lorne McKean, the sculpture's artist, and the Horsham Society will be invited to be part of the panel to work with the council and Morley on the details of re-instatement," he said.

"The intention is that once a decision is made on this point, in the very near future, the sculpture will be returned as part of the planned refurbishment works which will start in January 2008."

Council leader Liz Kitchen added: "Morley deserves credit for listening to the voices of protest and having the courage to respond quickly."