A PROPOSAL to install a 'granddad' statue in Alvechurch has resulted in a backlash from villagers, who have labelled it a 'monstrosity' and a 'frivolous waste of money,' writes Melina Cannon.

The parish council's village improvements committee is looking to commission the life-size statue, which will cost at least £1,000, from a Cornwall-based sculpture workshop as part of plans to give the village precinct a makeover.

It would be made from heavy-duty fibreglass and could be finished in bronze or flesh tones and even be made to resemble a local figure.

But district councillor June Griffiths has received numerous letters and telephone calls from concerned residents and will forward their views to the parish council.

Mrs Griffiths said feedback from villagers included a suggestion that any statue or addition to Alvechurch should be devoted to its history, such as the nail or needle industries.

She added: "I must admit I was surprised at the choice of figure but there is such great concern over it, to the point of calling it a 'monstrosity' and an 'expensive, ugly, fibreglass item'.

"And without pre-empting vandalism, people have said that seeing seats broken and flowers pulled out of planters, there is the risk of the statue being damaged.

"Another suggestion has been made for the parish council to make a donation to the Driving Ambition charity if it feels the need rather than pay more than £1,000 for a statue."

The workshop raises money for Driving Ambition through selling the granddad sculptures.

Parish council clerk Gill Lungley said: "Perhaps some people see it as a frivolity, maybe because it's not connected with the history of Alvechurch.

"But it is good that it has sparked a discussion and shows people are taking an interest in how the parish council's money is spent."

Mrs Lungley added that parish councillors had yet to approve the statue proposal.