Survey open on Newark and Sherwood District Council’s proposed plans for £80,000 relocation of Kiddey Stones in Newark
Residents views are being sought on the future of the Kiddey Stones — for which £81,240 relocation plans have been approved in principle.
The work of Nottingham born sculptor, artist and teacher Robert Kiddey, after his move to Newark in 1931, the 12 pieces of stone form four panels each depicting a different aspect of electricity production.
They were commissioned by, and installed at, Wilford Power Station, and upon its demolition in the early eighties the tablets were gifted to Newark Town Council.
The stones have been stored, unseen, at Newark Cemetery since then, but have now been cleaned and restored and a decision on what to do with the artwork is needed.
Newark and Sherwood District Council has considered whether the stones should be on display outside Castle House, where they can be seen by residents and could form part of a new art trail around Newark town centre.
Installing and displaying the newly restored works would cost £81,240, and was agreed in principle by the council’s cabinet in June, subject to a public consultation to to gather residents’ views.
The consultation opened on September 2, and closes on September 30, and residents are encouraged to give feedback by completing the survey on the council’s website at www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/kiddeystones.
The survey has three questions and should take no more than five minutes to complete.
Rowan Cozens, portfolio holder for heritage, culture and the arts, said: “It would be a travesty for these significant works of art to stay hidden from public view after they had been saved from the demolition of the Wilford Power Station. I strongly believe that it should be possible for residents and visitors to be able to experience works of this quality without having to visit a gallery or sculpture park. These tablets have resonance for our district, reflecting, as they do, the working lives of miners and electric plant operators.
“By displaying works like this, we not only honour our district’s heritage, but looking forward we also hope to inspire future artists to pick up a pencil, brush or chisel to create the great works of the future. I would like to encourage as many residents as possible to share their views on this important public consultation.”
The costly relocation is also being overseen by a working group formed at the council’s policy and performance improvement committee after being called in by Penny Rainbow, to scrutinise if it meets the community plan priorities and develop the public consultation with the inclusion of non-cabinet members.
Working group chairman Andy Freeman provided an update on the group’s first meeting, held in August, at the September 2 policy and performance improvement committee meeting.
He said: “There was extended discussion in both these areas, to which all members of the working group contributed.
“As a result of the discussion there were some changes made to the background information that goes alongside the consultation that’s on the website, and it was also agreed to alert all parish councils to the consultation so it could be promoted across the district — because this is a district thing not just a Newark thing.”
Posters have been sent to parish councils and ward members encourages to ask their parish councils to include them on notice boards and their websites.
“The meeting did conclude with all members agreeing on the proposed consultation method,” Mr Freeman added.
“We achieved consensus at the end of the day that it allowed the public to provide their opinion in a fair and inclusive matter.”
He confirmed that discussions will continue with key stakeholders including Newark Town Council, Newark Civic Board, and Nottinghamshire Police.
The consultation results will be collated and analysed before being presented to the policy and performance improvement committee in November, for any recommendations and the outcome of the consultation to be presented to cabinet in December.
