Villagers demand restoration of 'garish eyesore' after chainsaw sculpture painted
A heated debate has unfolded in Madeley over the recent painting of a memorial bench and fish sculpture, carved from a 200-year-old chestnut tree by Rob Dalton from Dalton Wood. The sculptures, dedicated to former mayor Barry Panter, were painted without consulting the original artist, sparking outrage among residents.
The controversy led to an extraordinary meeting at Madeley Parish Council, where councillors agreed to refer the matter to Newcastle Borough Council's Monitoring Officer due to concerns that the council has been brought into disrepute. Residents overwhelmingly voted to restore the sculptures to their original state, with many describing the painted version as a 'garish eyesore'.
The Madeley Parish Council will seek quotes for the restoration from Dalton Wood and may consider alternative funding sources, including asking councillors David Whitmore and Jill Whitmore for contributions, if Newcastle Borough Council does not agree to pay for the work.