Work starts on Burnley's welcome '˜b'

The seven-metre high metallic gateway structure will soon be appearing on the site of the former Derby Hotel after the application was recently passed by Burnley Council’s development control committee.

Foundations for the artwork were being prepared this week.

The piece of art is being funded entirely by Burnley Bondholders, a network of organisations who work together across private and public sectors to promote the town.

Mark Crabtree, chairman of the Bondholders and managing director of Oscar-award winning Burnley firm AMS Neve, said they decided to fund the sculpture because the town curently has no “Welcome to Burnley” sign.

“We thought it fitting that we should have our own landmark sculpture to mark the gateway to Burnley and to make a bold statement that we are a place of confidence and enterprise.”

Artist Dave Palmer of DP Structures has designed the piece.

He said: “I’m delighted to be able to create something striking for my home town, as much of my work has been outside Burnley, including the recent 40ft tall War Memorial at Lostock Hall.”