Nailsea heroes suggested for portrait bench

WURZELS frontman Adge Cutler, social reformer Hannah More and farmer-turned-developer Harry Wyatt are the Nailsea heroes suggested for a portrait bench in the town.

The Times reported in November three Nailsea people of historical importance will be immortalised in life-size sheet steel for the planned structure in Millennium Park.

The town council sought the views of residents over which townsfolk should appear on the 2D work of art, organised by Sustrans, the national organisation which promotes cycling.

The benches are placed on newly-created national Connect2 walking and cycling paths and are paid for by a �50million Big Lottery Fund grant.

The Nailsea creation will be placed on the national cycle route 33, known as the Festival Way, which ends in Millennium Park.

Opinion about the bench divided a meeting of the council’s a planning and environment committee on February 22.

Some councillors called it ‘fancy metal junk’ and likened it to the Spirit of Nailsea water sculpture which rusted, ‘looked dreadful’ and had to be removed.

Others said it would be like The Angel Of The North and ‘look lovely’.

Cllr Clare Hunt said: “I think it’s a wonderful scheme because it’s someone else’s idea and it celebrates people who have added to our community.”

Sustrans project officer Jon Usher, who gave a presentation to the meeting, said: “It would be sad if Nailsea doesn’t have a portrait bench because it represents the end or beginning of someone’s journey.”

Six councillors voted in favour of the scheme, and three against, with the matter referred to a future meeting of the full town council.