THE race is on to create a new landmark in Worcestershire after the emergence of a second sculpture.

First came the giant Worcestershire Pear Tree – but another project also taking inspiration from the fruit synonymous with the county has entered the running.

Three giant pears interlocked as part of a 27- metre-high structure that people can climb is the vision of sculptor Charles Hazzard.

While those behind the Worcestershire Pear Tree idea are hoping to raise the £1.5 million they think they will need through the private sector, Mr Hazzard will take a more traditional route and apply for grant funding in the hope of reaching a £1 million target figure.

Mr Hazzard, who has been working on the Three Pears sculpture for more than five years, admitted that he was surprised to see the pear tree project emerge last year.

When asked if both could succeed he said: “It would be difficult.”

Bill Richards, chairman of the Worcestershire Pear Tree working group committee, said: “I personally think there’s room for lots of art.

“We don’t do public art as well as other countries do so I think good luck to anybody making that endeavour.

“I don’t think we are in any competition.”

Mr Hazzard said he has been in talks with Wychavon District Council’s planners about installing his landmark on land at Evesham Country Park where toilet and parking facilities already exist.

He said visitors will have the chance to climb up through the steel structure to a reinforced glass platform. “It will be quite an experience for the visitors,” he said.

“From that point you will have rather fantastic views across the Vale of Evesham, Pershore, Bidford and Broadway.

“The idea of the viewing platform is that people will pay a small fee to ascend the sculpture and the fees from that would fund the ongoing maintenance costs.”

Mr Hazzard and his Three Pears sculpture will soon set off on a touring exhibition as part of a county-wide public consultation so that people can see it for themselves, ask questions and express their views.

Mr Hazzard, brought up in the Vale of Evesham and a fellow of the Royal Society of British Sculptors, said the A-frame represents the trunk of a tree while the arch over the top is its canopy.

He is proposing to add colour to the outline of the three pears and says he wants to create a sculpture that will engage interest.

Mr Hazzard said while the stairway would have landings every 12 steps the viewing platform was unlikely to be accessible to people in wheelchairs.

“If some funding ever became available to put a lift in then, fine, but I think it’s highly unlikely given the cost,” he said.

Mr Hazzard said he is hoping to submit a planning application to Wychavon District Council in the summer.

If that is successful he will then bid for grant funds. For details, visit thethreepears.co.uk