Security to be raised at new sculpture

Security will be increased at Shrewsbury's controversial new sculpture in memory of Charles Darwin after a thrill-seeking climber was seen making his way to the top.

Shropshire Council said today there would be closer monitoring of CCTV coverage on the Quantum Leap sculpture in Mardol Quay and security would be stepped up.

A spokeswoman said today: "Quantum Leap and the surrounding area is still a building site and will remain so until the completion of the project on November 10. As such, no member of the public should enter the site.

"Shropshire Council is increasing security around the site and there will also be closer monitoring via the CCTV network."

The move comes after Bobbie Nugent, of Darwin Street, captured a man clambering over the statue on her cameraphone as she made her way back home from work at about 5.40pm yesterday.

Meanwhile, an online poll conducted by the Shropshire Star found that most people believe that the artwork represents good value for money. The sculpture has come under increasing fire from taxpayers after Shropshire Council agreed to increase the budget for the work to more than £450,000.