Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:57:12 +0000

KIDDERMINSTER’S Mayor has called for a councillor to resign over the controversy surrounding a planned £12,000 sculpture of a horse.

The work, to be erected in the town’s Horsefair, was commissioned by Wyre Forest District Council.

Howard Martin, leader of Independent Community and Health Concern, claims residents were not consulted and wants cabinet member, Marcus Hart, to step down as an “apology to the community”.

Mr Martin, who represents Broadwaters, said: “He is clearly off the pace locally but must accept responsibility that officers under his command have got too big for their boots in his absence and have acted with arrogance and a complete disregard for what would be considered in the best interests of the community.”

Mr Hart has denied officers did “anything underhand”, though, and said there had been “considerable consultation” with stakeholders, including the Horsefair, Greenhill and Broadwaters Partnership.

He added: “I’m pretty staggered that he has chosen to call for my resignation over this issue.”

More than 150 people have joined a group on Facebook opposing the plans, while a number of comments were made on The Shuttle’s website criticising the design.

Mr Martin has demanded the council reveals how the design was chosen and has submitted a list of questions under Freedom of Information laws.

He also wants the project put on hold until an investigation has been carried out. Mr Hart said a meeting was planned for next week with Mr Martin and the other two Broadwaters councillors, Mumshad Ahmed and Ken Stokes, where they could “discuss the issue”.

He added: “Councillor Martin has never directly contacted me about this issue and I am happy to discuss any concerns he has. I, as cabinet member, will look into where communication has broken down.”

The money for the statue has come from Cox Homes whih has been involved in developments in the Horsefair and town centre.

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