Council Scraps Sheep Sculpture Plans Over Safety Fears

A proposed illuminated metal 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' sculpture, intended as a 'welcome to Beverley' monument, has been rejected by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The council cited 'unacceptable impact on highway safety,' fearing the sculpture would distract drivers and potentially serve as a physical hazard on the Regiment Roundabout. Locals also voiced strong opposition, with one resident describing the proposal as 'ridiculous' and noting that the area is known for arable farming and cattle, not sheep.

Developer Risby Homes, along with artist Peter Naylor, expressed disappointment with the decision. Naylor, who previously created a similar sculpture in Warrington, called the council's objections 'daft spurious objections.' He highlighted that his previous work, 'The Bolt of Lightning,' is in a similar location with higher traffic volumes without issue. Risby Homes director Mark Barrett stated that they had invested significant time and money into the project, intended as a donation to the town, and found the health and safety concerns 'nonsensical.'