Works of art divide public opinion

One was part of a £2 million scheme and was unveiled in a blaze of glory. The other appeared without much warning in a small Black Country park.

But these two art installations have left many Walsall townsfolk scratching their heads in confusion. The town centre Source of Ingenuity fountain was meant to be the jewel in the civic square's crown, but it has been switched off for the past five years.

It was turned off amid fears of legionnaires disease it still has no water flowing from it five years later.

While a few miles away in Darlaston's Victoria Park, this metal tree is dividing opinion among residents.

The inactivity at the fountain, unveiled at a ceremony in 2005, has prompted traders to call on Walsall Council chiefs to decide once and for all what its future holds.

While the tree is certainly a talking point for those walking past it — with some describing it as "weird" and others saying "I love it".

Steve Brachmanski, who runs Steve's in The Bridge opposite the fountain, said: "They really ought to get something sorted with it.

"It's right in the centre of the town, so it's a bit embarrassing that it's not even working. It cost such a lot of money in the first place, so it would be nice if they could do something with it."

And John Hayward, who runs sweet shop the Chocolate Box, in Bridge Street, added: "It's just a meeting place for teenagers these days. I think the way funds are, it's probably right at the bottom of the council's list of priorities."

Of the tree, pensioner Terry Jordan, 73, from Darlaston, said: "I don't think much of it, we have plenty of trees around here anyway."

But Jan Harman of King Edward Street is a fan. "I love it. Well done whoever planned it," she said.

A fountain was originally planned to brighten up the 105-year-old park but plans were dropped because it was considered too expensive.