A NEW public sculpture of a snail has been likened to a “giant poo emoji” and branded a huge waste of public money.

The Periwinkle Shelter sculpture, which is woven from willow branches, is designed to imitate the tiny sea snail.

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It was unveiled at Earnley Viewpoint at Medmerry Nature Reserve, near Chichester, last week.

But visitors say the 4.5 metre sculpture resembles a “giant poo emoji” and have slammed it as a waste of taxpayers’ money.

Solly Everett said: “The idea of marking the rich coastal heritage of the south coast with a giant poo emoji is hilarious.

“But given the amount of raw sewage in the sea these day perhaps it is entirely appropriate.

“It’s a huge waste of public money. Couldn’t they come up with a better design than this – it’s ridiculous. What an absolute farce!”

Another visitor said: “I find it inconceivable that at no stage during the design of this massive sculpture not one person put up their hand to say: ‘Excuse me, but it looks like a giant poo.’

“It’s all well and good spending large amounts of taxpayers’ money on public art but surely there should be more consultation over what it will look like.”

One person said: “I couldn’t stop laughing when I saw it. I thought it was a joke at first.

“When I walked past another walker at the reserve they just laughed as well.”

The Periwinkle Shelter was designed and created by local artists, Rebecca and Mark Ford of Two Circles Design, and is made from Sussex willow.

It also meant to reflect the site’s Bronze and Middle Age history as periwinkles were found in the remains of a medieval fish basket by archaeologists during the creation of the Medmerry Nature Reserve.

The sculpture is designed to complement two public art pieces that were launched earlier this year.

The sculpture is the work of Culture Spark, a creative partnership between Chichester District Council, Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery.

The Culture Spark received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is administered by Chichester District Council.

I find it inconceivable that at no stage during the design of this massive sculpture not one person put up their hand to say: ‘Excuse me, but it looks like a giant poo.’

Councillor John Cross, cabinet member for culture, sport and place at Chichester District Council, said: “The inspiration for the Periwinkle Shelter derives from archaeological excavations of the Medmerry site and tells a fascinating tale.

“Evidence was discovered of several circular Bronze Age roundhouses and burial grounds — dating from 1,100 BC — on the site, along with the remains of a medieval wooden ‘kettle’ to funnel and trap fish in a weir at low tide using wickerwork fences.

“This beautiful sculpture is woven from Sussex and Somerset willow and signifies both a glance back to the past and an acknowledgement of this new incarnation for the Medmerry landscape.”

But a critic said: “Periwinkle? Don’t think so. The artist is having a laugh. What did that pile cost?”

While another said: “Councils are always complaining they have no money so how they manage to find cash for ill-conceived projects like this I do not know.”

The Sun has approached Chichester District Council for comment.

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