Protesters against a controversial arts project last night claimed it would make their seaside town the "laughing stock of East Anglia".
Walton residents blasted plans to mount a full-size coach pointing skywards on the seafront, telling artist Elizabeth Wright: "We don't want your statue."
More than 200 people packed a public meeting at Columbine leisure centre last night to protest against the controversial project.
There were gasps when a photo montage of the scheme was revealed.
Only one person voted in favour of the £30,000 arts project which promoters claim will become a tourist atttraction.
It was repeatedly slated as a waste of money, potential eyesore and target for vandals.
"We are going to be a laughing stock, not only here and East Anglia, but all over the country," said one protester.
Internationally-renowned artist Elizabeth Wright, who in the past has built an oversized mini, bricked up a van in a front room and built a bungalow in an art gallery, was selected for the project from 200 applicants. She was unable to find words to comment after the meeting, saying: "I don't know what to say."
Published Tuesday December 16, 2003
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