GARY ALEXANDER BOURNE, PRESTATYN. bugsy328 my reply.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2geoVV2j25s

Maybe if I try to explain it this way. As to why I'm standing on my soap box to point things out about vast quantity's of money wasted.

Dear editor, I had to be amused today (07/0/7/2009) reading a copy of a letter kindly sent to me from Chris Ruane MP. Concerning the 'Art' in Prestatyn. From Iwan Prys Jones (Corporate Director of Environment)

"Public art always divides opinion. We have received a number of comments that are positive about the environmental improvements that have taken peace around Central Beach in Prestatyn, including the new artwork. Central Beach had been an area that had not received attention for a number of years, and as a result was in a relatively poor environmental condition, and in need of an upgrade. The two recent projects which have taken peace there, in our view, have improved matters greatly, and the additional numbers of visitors to the area is proof that most people appreciate the improvements which have taken place."

Obviously BOURNE is talking to different people as the walkers I bumped into where positive that it was a waste of money. As one councillor said 'he thought it would be bigger.' I hope he was talking about the 'Polo Mint obelisk?' & generally those in Prestatyn haven't told BOURNE it's OK?

My only criticism has always been value for money. I guaranteed the polished steel would rust and tarnish the moment it was put up. And as predicted within a month the art was fenced off. More so the £350,000 (stage 3.1. There are four) has cracking concrete, replaced ant-slip surfaces and generally deteriorating with graffiti, seagull 'mess' and have a closer look rather badly executed art.

All this because, in BOURNE'S humble opinion the art committee/councillors weren't up to the job.

The art committee were/are:-
Cllr James Davies (Chairman Friends of Prestatyn Railway Station, Town and County Councillor)
Cllr June Cahill (Ex-Mayor, Ex-Central Ward Councillor. Present County Councillor)
Cllr Sharon Frobisher (Town and County Councillor)
Gareth Sandilands (Volunteer F.O.P.R.S. Prestatyn Business Group)
Sue Hagarth (Principal area regeneration & investment officer)
Jeremy Knibbs (Area regeneration manager)
Michelle Rendell (Prestatyn regeneration officer)
Elin Butler (Art council for Wales)
Ann Thomas (Arts advisor for Denbighshire County Council Arts)
Stephen West (SAFLE. Independent public art consultancy)
Norman Makinson (Art advisor)
Prestatyn High Schools Art Department Art advisor
David Shiel (Countryside Services)
Margaret Jones (Countryside Council for Wales)
Alan Jackson (Team Leader Denbighshire Public Realm)
Nigel Acott (Rep from Prestatyn Town council)
Karen Beattie (DDA) Disability Discrimination Act

Of cause the 'art' in town is just one example where a great deal of money is being spent (£135,000) I've had figures of £106,000 to £150,000 for the Hillside Gardens project.

Then you get anomalies like (personally asked of all Town/County councillors) about Upper Prestatyn Residents Association. Who are they? And what was £2000 Cllr N. Hugh-Jones, £2000 Cllr J. Davies, £2000 Cllr P. Duffy, £2000 Cllr J. Thompson-Hill. £8000 actually used for? From their £80,000 Denbighshire County Councillors Members Priority Fund. Remember, we presumed the £20,000 each County Councillor had. Was to be spent on their own ward and not! for what BOURNE sees as potential votes.

I resupply a letter from six months ago suggesting what could have been.

Dear editor, please could I make a correction to your letters page from today's Journal (28th January 2009) concerning A naff, cheap looking load of old tat... by Vivien Holmes.

A simple correction, the actual sculpture was commissioned at £35,000. The £355,000 is for stage three (3.1) of The Central Beach re-development and is extra to the sculpture. While I agree everything is subjective to your point of view, my own personal taste seem to echo Vivien's with what we both see as life like sculptures. I personally made my presentation folder to Michelle Rendell (Prestatyn Regeneration Officer) as part of the public comments after the initial nine artists were chosen to tender with ideas.

Unfortunately my idea were 'politely' turned. Of cause I did think my ideas of celebrating Prestatyns history with interactive (children and adults could pose next to and play with) sculptures of a Roman Centurion, Norman Knight, King Henry the second, Owain Glyndwr and not forgetting King Offa himself (sadly missing from Prestatyn) as a 'Walk of History.' Taking it to account the whole town from the beach to the hills following the Offa's Trail in town. I was even cheeky enough to add a few Welsh heroes of modern times. Now wouldn't J.P.R.WILLIAMS charging up the High street look an impressive sight.

Of cause the 'POLO MINT' is subjective as with all of the £150,000 art.

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