Cheshire East Council has responded to the Crewe and Nantwich MP's roundabout artwork criticism - saying a timescale for the return of the structure can't be given.

On Friday (July 29), Dr Kieran Mullan said he wanted the half-completed 'solar gazer' roundabout sculpture on Jack Mills Way to be scrapped.

The public artwork has been funded by developer Goodman Logistics and has been left partially built on for approximately six months - next to Crewe Commercial Park. 

Cheshire East Council say the sculpture's alterations remain subject to securing additional funding (Crewe Nub News).

Cheshire East Council has said the structure needs to be temporarily taken down and restored off-site - allowing Jack Mills Way to reopen without lane restrictions.

Today (August 1), a spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said: "Safety concerns about the Solar Gazer structure have been identified since its installation by the developer.

"These were picked up through a road safety audit, which is standard practice after any major changes to the highway. 

"The safety of highway users is paramount, so, as soon as these concerns were identified, temporary traffic management measures were put in place.

"Council officers have been working to assess options as to how best to address these safety concerns, while seeking to retain the structure in a revised form.

Crewe and Nantwich MP, Dr Kieran Mullan, said he wants a public consultation for any future Crewe public works of art (Crewe Nub News).

Last week, Dr Mullan said he wanted local residents to have a say on a roundabout design - celebrating Crewe's heritage. 

He said he was 'surprised' and disappointed to see the sculpture appear out of nowhere' - wanting a public consultation for any future Crewe public works of art.

Cheshire East Council approved the solar gazer in its planning phase back in 2018.

The spokesperson added: "A decision has been made to temporarily remove the structure, in the interests of public safety, which will allow the road to fully reopen without lane restrictions. 

"Works to alter the structure are due to be undertaken off site, to ensure they can be carried out safely and to minimise any further disruption to road users.

What the Crewe roundabout solar gazer was meant to look like at night-time when completed (Goodman).

"These alterations remain subject to securing additional funding and, thus, it is not possible to give a timescale for the return of the structure.

"Any new or replacement structure proposed would be subject to a public consultation process."

Further funding for the roundabout sculpture will be sought from developer Goodman Logistics.

READ MORE: £5 for a lifetime - new bike hub facility officially opens outside Crewe Railway Station.

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