Newark Advertiser reader letters: Vanity project an insult to power workers

I feel I must comment on something I have become passionate about — the Kiddey Stone Sculptures.

These are works of art but were originally commissioned to be installed on the site of Wilford Power Station to recognise and compliment the manual workers in the power supply industry.

I worked in the supply industry for 14 years prior to setting up my own business. My father also worked in the industry for many more years than myself.

I do feel that siting these sculptures outside Castle House does not recognise the original commission, which does seem to have been overlooked.

Neither staff members nor councillors that work in Castle House have any association with the original commission and to be honest myself and a few old workmates are treating this as an insult to the industry.

Regarding the cost, at the present time this seems to us to be nothing more than a costly council vanity project, ring fenced finances still originated from the public finance pot.

Many residents in the surrounding areas worked in the collieries that supplied the coal to the power stations, including many of my relatives, Newark has never been recognised as a mining town, so no association there.

I am sure Robert Kiddey would not be too happy about his council snubbing his original commission and what they represented.

An obvious location is the site of the last coal fired power station in England at Radcliffe-on-Soar. This particular location, after decommission of the power station, may be set up as a sight for looking at future green energy options and solutions, the sculptures could not have a better home.

To ignore the results of a public consultation and the cost of installation in the present climate shows complete arrogance by Newark and Sherwood District Council. — Mike Frettsome, ex-power supply manual worker, via email.