MP: Cut public art cash after Quantum Leap

Spending on public art projects in Shrewsbury should be limited following the controversial Quantum Leap sculpture, it has been claimed.

Daniel Kawczynski, Shrewsbury MP, said he wanted to see a new process brought in on any future public art projects after Shropshire Council spent an extra £100,000 of taxpayers' money than the £350,000 budgeted for on the sculpture which marked the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth last year.

Mr Kawczynski said he still had people complaining to him about the £450,000 final cost.

"I have people coming up to me at constituency surgeries on a regular basis upset about the cost of Quantum Leap," he said.

He said he wanted to ensure future projects would have to undergo a lengthy public consultation and stick to the original budget.

"I am urging great caution in any future projects of public art in the town and want the council to agree," he said.

George Candler, Shropshire Council's assistant director for culture and leisure, said it had inherited the project from the former Shrewsbury and Atcham Council.

He added: "The council continually reviews the way its projects are managed as part of its continuous improvement programme and any future projects would follow this format."

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