River art plan given green light

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Campaigners objecting to the project explain why they are disappointed by the planning decision

Plans for an avant-garde art project, which has caused controversy in a Ceredigion coastal town, has been given the go-ahead at a council meeting.

The art called Turbulence is part of Channel 4's Big Art Project, but it has created waves in Cardigan.

More than 4,400 people have signed a petition objecting to the set of 127 buoys containing lights and speakers, and some protested outside the meeting.

Channel 4 has said the project was about what people wanted.

Ceredigion council's development control committee recommended the project for approval ahead of its meeting at the local authority's headquarters in Aberaeron.

Four placard-waving protesters had gathered there. They claimed wildlife habitats would be damaged by the Turbulence project.

Last November, Cardigan's former mayor Melfydd George claimed the project was a "silly idea".

Public works

Cardigan is one of seven areas in the UK chosen to host artwork as part of Channel 4's Big Art Project, which aims to involve people in major public works of art.

Channel Four said in January: "A Big Art Project is a bold and ambitious programme that offers the public the opportunity to commission art.

"It has always been about what the public want and an ongoing dialogue is part of that."

Bafta award-winning artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer has been commissioned to produce the sculpture.