Plans for sheep and cow sculptures approved

The sculptures will be placed at locations traditionally associated with livestock markets

Plans for a series of animal sculptures celebrating Spalding's historic livestock market have been approved.

The proposals, put forward by Spalding and District Civic Society and local arts group Transported Art, were approved by South Holland District Council at a meeting last week.

Six white sheep, carved from limestone, will be sited in the pedestrianised area of the Sheep Market, along with a single carved black sheep nearby.

A bull and a cow, based on the Lincoln Red cattle breed, will be placed on a plinth on New Road where weekly cattle auctions were held until 1938.

Nick Jones from Transported Art previously said the trail would help create a "sense of belonging" to people in Spalding.

"People want to know more about the history of where they live so they can feel a sense of belonging and pride," Mr Jones said.

A spokesperson for Spalding and District Civic Society said the trail would celebrate the various livestock markets that took place in Spalding, as well as the continuing important role South Holland plays in the nation's food supply.

The initiative could also potentially boost local tourism and footfall in the town centre, they added.

The artwork, by Leicestershire-based sculptor Graeme Mitcheson, are due to be unveiled in the early spring, with additional sculptures planned in the future, the group said.

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