Quantum Leap's 'important role in bringing people to Shrewsbury'

The controversial Quantum Leap sculpture in Shrewsbury has an important role to play in attracting visitors interested in Charles Darwin to the town, it has been claimed.

According to Shropshire Council's latest figures, last year Quantum Leap and other tourist attractions in Shrewsbury were responsible for contributing more than £137 million to the town's economy.

Tim King, tourism officer for the local authority, said it would be difficult to give a precise figure on what the sculpture alone was worth to the town in terms of tourism.

"It is public art, like the Darwin Gate. In itself it doesn't generate anything, but it is part of a bigger Shrewsbury scene," he said.

The sculpture was originally designed to help celebrate the town's links with Charles Darwin.

Mr King said: "It is part of the Darwin story which is one of Shrewsbury's greatest strengths. The more Darwin products we have, the better really. We would like to see more things associated with Darwin in the town."

His comments came as former Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough councillor Charles Armstrong defended the scheme. He said that it was regrettable that the total costs of the scheme have now passed the £1 million mark after Shropshire Council was ordered to pay Alun Griffiths Contractors an extra £410,000 as well as dealing with a £115,000 bill for legal fees and professional advice.

The original cost of the project was £483,000, but problems with the alignment of the ribs had to be corrected in 2009, leading to a delay in completion and extra costs for the project.

But Mr Armstrong said while mistakes had been made, the sculpture should not just be viewed in financial terms.

He said Quantum Leap, represents a 'cutting edge bit of engineering'.