'Balls' artwork too hot in heat

The big balls have attracted lots of attention among shoppers

A valley town centre's new artworks of seven large chrome spheres have been turned into "great balls of fire" by this summer's heatwave.

Shoppers have been burning their backsides on the chrome balls put in as part of a £10,000 scheme to brighten up Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent.

Weary shoppers were regularly sitting on them until soaring temperatures turned them into round ovens.

The council warned people to take care when sitting on the artwork.

Cafe owner Samantha Dighton, 28, said: "We have one of the balls right outside our front door and it's a health hazard.

"We've had a few people coming in for a cup of tea complaining they've been burnt by the heat from the balls.

Piping hot

"I thought they were just making it up. But when I went out there on a hot afternoon the ball was hot enough to fry an egg on!

Market stall holder Gethin Bennett, 21, said: "At first the big balls attracted lots of attention.

"It was good to see little kids race up to them seeing their reflections in the silver metal.

"But then they were springing back because the things are piping hot.

"Honestly, you wouldn't believe how hot they get until you touch them."

Student Christy Young, 16, said: "My friend's toddler leant on one of these balls last week and burnt his hands.

A shopper escapes from one of the overheating balls

"He's frightened to death to come into town now!

"Whoever put these things in ought to be more careful - especially if there are kids involved."

Pensioner Anne Williams, 62, said: "They've only been in a week and everyone hates them already.

"I touched one last week and sprung back because it was so hot. Someone's going to get seriously burnt one of these days."

Allan Stokes and his family liked the look of the balls but he has warned his children not to go near them in case they get burnt.

Talking point

"They'll either have to remove them or put some protective coat on them to stop people getting hurt," he said.

"Surely somebody should have tested them before they were put in the town centre."

A spokesman for Blaenau Gwent Council said: "These artworks have become a talking point here in Ebbw Vale.

"During the unusually hot weather we would expect shiny metal surfaces of all kinds to heat up in the sun and people do need to take care.

"However, if people do have concerns we are happy to look into this."