Horse statue protest group raises a gallop

More than 170 people have joined an on-line campaign against plans to erect a horse statue in Kidderminster.

A group has been set up on social networking site Facebook after Wyre Forest Council unveiled the £12,000 proposal for the Horsefair.

The statue of a white, larger than life horse, will have several holes in the body where lights, which will be installed behind it, will shine through. It is expected to be erected in March.

But the proposals have attracted criticism from residents in the town who think the money could be better spent elsewhere. There are also concerns that the statue would be an easy target for vandals.

At the last count the group called Say No to the Edam Horse in the Horsefair had 172 members.

The plan has previously come under fire from Kidderminster's mayor, Councillor Howard Martin, who hit out at the lack of public consultation.

Councillor Martin claimed the council has broken a promise made several years ago that the project would involve full community input and involvement before any decisions.

Marcus Hart, Wyre Forest Council's cabinet member for community and partnership services, insisted that procedures had been followed.

Councillor Hart said it was put out to tender and artists were asked to provide suggestions for a design that would enhance the area and provide an interesting focus for visitors.

The installation is due to be completed by late spring by artist Finn Stone.

King Henry III granted an annual fair to Kidderminster in 1238. By 1690 the market had became too big for the town centre and the horse fair was moved to an area then known as Whorwood Shipton. Horses used to drink from a pond which used to be there.