A CONTROVERSIAL artistic centrepiece for Ramsbottom will be lifted into position next week.

A giant two-ton bronze Grecian Urn, created by acclaimed artist Edward Allington, is to due to arrive at the Market Place outside the Grant Arms pub on Monday.

Its imminent arrival has brought mixed reactions in the town. Although some people are delighted, others say the urn will not reflect the rich heritage of Ramsbottom.

Officials anticipate it will take several days to put the finishing touches to the sculpture, which will be bolted together in sections.

An official unveiling is planned for May 16.

The piece was chosen from a short-list of more than 30 international artists as one of the highlights of the £2.3 million lottery-funded Irwell Sculpture Trail. The 30-mile route, much of it in Bury, will stretch from the centre of Salford through the Rossendale Valley.

Chairman of the IST partnership committee, Cllr Warren Flood, said: "Over the next few months we can expect a great deal of excitement to be generated by the trail. The arrival of Ed's sculpture is the start of a busy few weeks."

Another significant piece, the work of Ulrich Ruchriem is soon to be unveiled at the former Outwood Colliery site in Radcliffe.

Sculpture Trail co-ordinator Cathy Newbery said: "Ed's sculpture has been at the centre of a great deal of speculation. Now very shortly people will be able to judge for themselves just what kind of impact it will have on Ramsbottom."

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