Crewe's MP has called on Cheshire East Council to 'scrap' plans restoring a controversial roundabout sculpture - set to be taken down following safety concerns.

The public artwork, called a 'solar gazer,' has been funded by developer Goodman Logistics.

It has been left partially built on Jack Mills Way, Shavington, for approximately six months - next to Crewe Commercial Park. 

Dr Kieran Mullan has today said (July 29), he wants residents to have a say on a roundabout design - celebrating Crewe's heritage. 

Crewe and Nantwich MP, Dr Mullan, has called on Cheshire East Cobncil to scrap plans for the solar gazer altogether (Crewe Nub News).

Part way through construction of the roundabout sculpture, traffic cones were placed around the site - leading to the MP raising concerns.

In response to Dr Mullan, Cheshire East confirmed safety concerns had been raised. It is now understood the sculpture will be dismantled.

Works to alter the structure are expected to be undertaken off site - ready to bring back to the Jack Mills Way roundabout when complete.

Dr Mullan has called on the council to scrap plans for the current structure altogether, providing Crewe residents and stakeholders a chance to have a say on an alternative design.

Dr Kieran Mullan believes the solar gazar should not be restored and wants a better design that reflects Crewe's heritage (Crewe Nub News).

The Crewe and Nantwich MP believes more should be done to celebrate Crewe's heritage.

In a letter to Cheshire East Council, Dr Mullan said: "Since my earliest involvement in plans to regenerate and help Crewe fulfil its potential, one of the challenges I and stakeholders recognise is wider perceptions of Crewe.

"On several occasions I and different stakeholders have considered making use of our roundabouts to celebrate our heritage."

"I have discussed the idea with a number of key companies locally and found them to be supportive.

"That is why I was surprised and disappointed to see the sculpture appear out of nowhere."

The public artwork has been funded by developer Goodman Logistics (Crewe Nub News).

The solar gazer was approved in its planning phase by Cheshire East Council in 2018.

It is meant to consist of 12 steel hollow sections, which represent the 12 months of the year.

Each steel section would reflect the position of the sun throughout the year. Throughout the day, the installed solar panels would collect solar energy.

At dusk, the sculpture would convert this energy into lighting features at the tips of the linear elements like stars.

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

Dr Mullan added: "I have since confirmed there was no community engagement in support of this sculpture.

"It doesn't celebrate Crewe's heritage or have any apparent relation to Crewe at all."

"I want us to use this opportunity to think again and engage with Crewe residents and stakeholders to decide on a public art work that they want.

"I also think that the Council should institute a policy on requiring public consultation on any further public works of art."

The solar gazer was approved in its planning phase by Cheshire East Council in 2018 (Goodman).

Crewe Nub News has contacted Cheshire East Council for comment.

READ MORE: Council approves large employment scheme - just five miles from Crewe.

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