THREE new outdoor artworks have been installed in a park in Andover including an Olympic torch and residents have expressed their concern about it.

As previously reported, the artwork, which incorporate the ideas put forward by residents, can now be seen on the Picket Twenty housing development.

The pieces, designed by artist Tim Ward, have been funded from Section 106 developer contributions from Persimmon Homes for public art on the development.

A Test Valley Borough Council spokesperson confirmed the commission for the three artworks was £69,000.

They said: "This funding was specifically for the creation of public art on the Picket Twenty development and the council did not contribute any funds towards this work.”

The torch is currently being finalised on the Urban Park. This 9.5m tall landmark sculpture represents a symbol of hope.

READ MORE: New artworks installed at Picket Twenty, Andover

Andover Advertiser: The torch located in the park

The Advertiser asked residents what they thought about the torch on Facebook and the post got more than 100 replies with many less than impressed. 

Sara Jane Hysted posted: "Shockingly awful, what a dreadful waste of money. Perhaps a beautiful oak tree would have been more appropriate."

Barry Spicer shared a similar view, adding: "Waste of taxpayers money what's the point wasting thousands of pounds money could of been used for something else."

Stacey Day responded to the Advertiser's Facebook post and said that it looks 'terrible'.

Rob Deb Smith posted: "Total waste of money especially when there is a cost-of-living crisis."

Two other artworks have also been installed in the park including hoops located alongside the Picket Twenty Way play area with the aim of representing the fun of children’s games and is a sculpture that children and others can interact with.

SEE ALSO: The Globe Inn in Andover's town centre goes up for sale

The third artwork is the Tree Column, designed with the help of children from surrounding schools.

Located outside the community centre and consisting of eight vertical tubes sweeping down in an arc curve, this sculpture also incorporates a base with seating.

Laser cut natural patterns on each tube represent the trees found in the nearby ancient woodland of Harewood Forest, as well as the year group classes of Pilgrim’s Cross primary school. The seat top is filled with motifs of nature and patterns collected through community workshops.

A spokesperson for the council added: “Artist Tim Ward created the new artworks for the Picket Twenty housing development, incorporating the ideas of local residents and using the themes of sports and movement.

"Each piece has been designed to encourage people to explore and engage with their natural surroundings. Tim worked with local residents at community open days, as well as with children and students at both Pilgrim’s Cross school and Winton Academy, using these sessions to develop the ideas and designs for the work."