Public consultation reveals 57% unsupportive of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Kiddey Stones plans — with location and cost key concerns
A public consultation has revealed more than 57% of respondents are unsupportive of plans for the Kiddey Stones, with cost and location key concerns.
The results of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s public consultation, on its £81,240 plans to display the four stone tablets outside Castle House, were presented to the council’s Policy and Performance Improvement Committee on Monday, November 25.
Key concerns which are to be passed on to cabinet for members’ consideration include concerns Castle House is not the right site — branded ‘location, location, location’ by committee chairman Mike Pringle — as well as the cost of the project, and queries over where the money will come from.
The artwork, created by Nottingham-born sculptor and teacher Robert Kiddey after his move to Newark, was gifted to Newark Town Council after the demolition of Wilford Power Station in the early 80s and has laid out of public view under tarpaulin for many years.
More than 800 complete responses were received to the survey — a ‘significantly higher rate of engagement’ than for consultations on Sherwood Avenue Park, the Play Park Investment Plan, and the Library Gardens — which ran throughout September and allowed respondents 150 words to share their views on the project.
These have subsequently been classed as either supportive, unclear, or unsupportive of the proposals.
57.32% of comments were classed as unsupportive, with recurring comments about the plans being a ‘waste’ of money, that the money could be better spent elsewhere, and that Castle House was the wrong location.
Some respondents suggested the council was ‘out of touch’ with residents’ wants and needs.
Penny Rainbow said: “It’s very easy to spend a lot of money, isn’t it. It would be very interesting to count how many times ‘waste’ was mentioned.
“I think if [cabinet] goes ahead with it, are they going to keep them at Castle House, should they be looking at alternative funding?”
Roger Jackson added: “I think we all recognise the stones have an importance for Newark. I just think practically the location is the totally wrong place.
“Why can’t they be built into the wall of [the Stodman Street redevelopment]? No one’s going to come to Castle House, but they’re there for people to celebrate.”
Simon Forde suggested that there had been a “very clear response” and that he would be unhappy if his ward’s residents views were ignored.
It was also requested for some clarity on where the funding was coming from for the project, as councillors where in disagreement as to whether it was tax money, or from a specific funding budget.
David Moore suggested there had been a “campaign of dishonesty” surrounding the proposals, particularly in the Balderton, Farndon and Fernwood wards, which had the highest consultation response rates.
He stated that it wasn’t tax money and that funds had been ‘ringfenced’ for the project, and added: “I think that needs to be laid out properly, not keyboard warriors whipping up anti sentiment.”
Johno Lee, who is not a committee member, also spoke at the meeting.
He pointed out posts which had been made by other councillors with a pro-Kiddey Stones plan sentiment, and question why, ‘if it’s true’, information about specific funding hadn’t been included in the consultation.
“Too right I did,” he added, regarding encouraging his residents to fill out the survey.
A further 1.93% of comments where classed as unclear due to incomplete responses, support for incorrect sites or information, and those who instead submitted questions about the plans.
40.75% were classed as supportive — with commenters praising the cultural and historical significance of the stones and generalised support.
However, 64 of those responses were highlighted as supportive of displaying the stones but indicated that the proposed location is not supported, or they could be better placed elsewhere.
Jack Kellas said: “The results show they’re not wanted, at least not in this plan.
“I think quantative answers would have helped.
“40.75% have been classed as supportive… but only 22.9% of people who filled in the survey are supportive of the stones in that location — so do they really support the proposal?
“Surveys show we have issues getting tourists to the castle, and the castle side of the river, never mind to Castle House.”
The concern was also raised by Matthew Spoors, who said he “struggled” with there being negatives among the positive responses.
Consultees Newark Town Council and Newark Civic Trust, had also indicated support for the plans, with the civic trust noting that with “the strong mid-century history of municipal buildings across the UK utilising their space for local sculpture, it can only be deemed correct to bring the Kiddey Stones to Castle House.”
Nottinghamshire Police were also consulted, regarding the security of the proposed location at Castle House. They noted it has CCTV coverage and is within a generally well-lit area, and suggested consideration of a physical protective barrier around the stones, the importance of the anchoring them down to prevent theft, and a range of other crime deterrents such as alarms and tracking devices.
Neil Allen added further concerns that the police’s suggestions to protect the stones would further increase costs if they were implemented, but said that people want to see them up ‘in the right place’.
The committee is not a decision-making body, and will not predetermine any decision that cabinet may make about the sculptures — but made a number of suggestions for cabinet to consider:
•Whether the proposed location is right.
•Whether a deed of gift for the Kiddey Stones has been considered.
•Whether alternative funding been considered.
•Defining the final budget, including information on where the project is being funded from.
•Choosing not installing the Kiddey Stones.
The results from the survey will now be presented to cabinet who will decide on the future of the Kiddey Stones, at the next cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 10.
What do you think of the Kiddey Stones plans? Share your thoughts in the comments below or let us know via newsviews@newarkadvertiser.co.uk.
