Poll says Darwin art a waste of money

More than 2,000 people have now had their say in the poll, either online or by post, and a narrow majority of 52 per cent say they believe it is a waste of taxpayers' cash, compared to those who think it is justified.

It comes as the Taxpayers' Alliance today called for those who commissioned the work to face "serious consequences" over its cost, which has seen its budget increase by an extra £100,000.

According to the latest results 1,118 people (52 per cent) say the Charles Darwin artwork is not good value for money, while 1,028people (48 per cent) argue it is worth the cash.

• Vote and comment on Quantum Leap here

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

People have left comments on the Star's website over the sculpture in Mardol Quay Gardens.

One said: "The budget of £450,000 for this project is a crazy figure. With or without a recession, if this kind of cash can be found for this needless project when our hospitals are crying out for cash, I feel it's scandalous."

Another said: "This is yet another example of total abuse/waste, call it what you like of public funds."

But others have voiced support for the artwork, to be dedicated by Darwin's great, great-grandson Randal Keynes on Thursday.

Elaine Ball said: "The Quantum Leap sculpture will bring much needed visitors to our shire town which, I believe will only enhance the tourism of our county. Sure it can be seen as a large outlay by our council but people should look at the big picture with our leisure ind- ustry being one of this country's largest growth areas."

Meanwhile, council business development manager Dominic Wallis today called on people to reserve judgement on the project until it was completed.

He said he believed many people would change their minds when they saw the sculpture with its associated geo garden.

By Russell Roberts