AN artist has come up with a novel idea to attract tourists to Worcester - by building giant metal radiators at four locations in the city.

Andy Walker, who works as a television animator, said he hoped his idea would encourage people to visit the city. He is hoping it would have the same sort of impact as the Angel of the North - a sculpture the height of four double decker buses at the entrance to Tyneside.

Mr Walker, who was born and bred in Worcester before moving to London about 20 years ago, said he wanted to test the public reaction to this scale computer generated image of his vision before moving the idea forward and seeking funding.

"It's a crazy idea and who knows where it's going to go," said the 53-year-old, who lived in Claines. "One man's wacky is another man's art.

"I put these images together to get a feel for it so that I can speak to the experts to see what construction and financial problems could be involved."

He said he hoped the temporary constructions would be built on Pitchcroft racecourse near the city centre, Nunnery Way near the M5, Perdiswell and Fort Royal, off London Road - to form a square around Worcester.

"I was going to do a series of paintings and then I thought maybe I would do a sculpture instead as there are lots of large ones around at the moment such as the Angel of the North."

John Denton, Worcester, Arts Workshop manager, said: "Conceptually, I think it's an interesting idea.

"At this very early stage I have serious reservations about whether it is at all practical."

Mayor of Worcester Ian Imray said: "Art is in the eye of the beholder.

"But to me that is not art. Where others may see it as artistic I do not.

"Radiators are not an original idea - unlike the Angel of the North which is somewhat iconic and is an original concept - these are not."

Worcester City Council was unable to comment on the idea, except to say it would require planning permission.

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