A LIFE size bronze statue of a Victorian market trader is set to become Altrincham's latest landmark.

Planning chiefs have given the go-ahead for the £35,000 artwork by renowned Altrincham sculptor Colin Spofforth to be erected in front of the town hall, on Market Street.

The 2.4m figure will be in a flower bed 1.5m above the street.

Funding has been provided by local businesses and developers and an arts and business Government grant.

The Altrincham Town Centre Partnership, which commissioned the work, hopes it will be the first piece in a sculpture trail through the town centre.

But while most of the planning committee supported the scheme, two members spoke out against it.

Cllr Mike Cornes said: "I think it looks awful, absolutely awful. It is in a very prominent position and is visible from all angles. It is too prominent and ruins the appearance of the town hall."

Cllr Dan Bunting supported him. But the rest of the committee disagreed and approved the scheme. Cllr David Merrell, the chairman, said: "It looks good, I think it looks amusing."

In the application for planning permission, Mark Rubin, the chairman of the town centre partnership, said: "It is envisaged that the sculpture becomes a permanent landmark and point of interest, and that the sculpture will be the catalyst and centrepiece for a series of artworks which will build a trail' through the area."

While artist Colin has already turned his hand to a number of pieces in the borough, including the crest and the Spirit of New Orleans' sculptures at the Trafford Centre and the Venus Trinity at the Trafford Quays, this is his first venture in Altrincham.

cgriffin@messengergrp.co.uk