A NEW work of art for Ipswich Waterfront costing �20,000 has been given the thumbs up by town chiefs, it emerged today.

A NEW work of art for Ipswich Waterfront costing �20,000 has been given the thumbs up by town chiefs, it emerged today.

The eight-metre tall work, commissioned by the borough council following a competition in 2005, will be erected at Stoke Quay adjacent to the River Orwell.

An initial application went before the authority's planning committee back in August but was rejected over concerns it could hinder blind or partially sighted people walking along the footpath.

A new application was given the green light by planning chiefs this week.

To address the issue, the three legs of the sculpture will each feature a ring of yellow reflective paint.

The sculpture originated in 2005 from a competition launched by the council to provide a work of art which would act as a signpost to the area and reflect the past history of the dock.

Four candidates were shortlisted and interviewed by a panel of officers and the culture portfolio holder.

Artist Tony Stallard was chosen to draw up the design.

The �20,000 funding was provided by developers Persimmon as part of planning permission for a Waterfront development.

The sculpture will consist of a central “crows nest” feature supported by three steel supports each set into the ground at an angle to allow pedestrians to pass through the sculpture and underneath the crows nest.

The crows nest will be illuminated by a central light set into the ground and activated by passing cars, pedestrians or cyclists.

Should there be more public art in Ipswich? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk