Have your say on Quantum Leap

Shrewsbury's controversial Quantum Leap sculpture was unveiled for the first time to a mixed reaction from people in the town.

The piece of art and a Darwin Memorial Garden in Mardol Quay have been created to celebrate Charles Darwin and mark the 200th anniversary of his birth.

The sculpture has come under fire from taxpayers after Shropshire Council agreed to increase the budget for the work to more than £450,000.

John Greybrook, from Copthorne, said: "I think it is an appalling and utter waste of taxpayers' money. A big statue of Darwin would have been far more appropriate compared to this seriously awful thing."

Dave Edwards, of The Mount, added: "It's pathetic, a real waste of taxpayers' money, I can't get over how ugly it is."

But Doug Blackmore, owner of Frank's Cafe Bar in Frankwell, said he thought it would bring more people into the town.

Talking

He said: "It is doing its job already because everybody is talking about. I think everybody who reads the Shropshire Star will want to see it for themselves and what they think of the money spent on it.

"That will bring people from across the county to the area and they will spend their money here - so we will make the cost back eventually."

Simon Airey, president of the Shrewsbury Business Chamber, said: "It is fantastic, I have been hoping for something like this for a while and I think it is an excellent piece of art."

Karen Lloyd, secretary and development officer for Shrewsbury Civic Society, said the group had mixed views. "As a society we have always been in favour of public art and something to celebrate Charles Darwin.

"However, what concerns us about the Quantum Leap is the time it took and the spiralling cost."

• At 9am on Wednesday, October 7 the results — including postal votes — stood at:

• Quantum Leap is worth the money: 1,028 (48 per cent)

• Quantum Leap is not worth the money: 1,118 (52 per cent)

• See the poll story here

As the sculpture was being unveiled, the crane used in the construction was used to bring a 100-year-old ferry wheel from the depths of the River Severn.

Jan Hordley, of Shrewsbury Marine Service, said she had been hoping to get the wheel out for some time.

She added: "The very kind and helpful workmen said they would help us and we are very grateful.

"The ferry used to take people from one side of the river to the other and we want to restore the wheel from it and make it a piece of public art - so this is one positive from the Quantum Leap work."

Randal Keynes, the great great grandson of the scientist, was due to formally dedicate the 12-metre high statue on October 8.

Vote in our poll below: