Art sculpture set for major revamp

One of East Lancashire's most recognisable landmarks could be set for a major overhaul of its surrounding paths and fencing.

The Singing Ringing Tree, which stands on Crown Point, in Burnley, needs infrastructure refurbishment to improve accessibilty for visitors, the council said.

Designed by architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu and completed in 2006, the Singing Ringing Tree is a 3m (9.8ft) sculpture made from steel pipes that uses the wind to produce musical notes.

Ahead of the borough's Year of Culture celebrations next year, Burnley Council has applied for permission to refurbish the sculpture's surrounding footpaths, fencing, and infrastructure.

According to planning documents submitted by the council, the environment surrounding The Singing Ringing Tree has deteriorated over the years due to weathering, water erosion and the decay of fencing and gates.

There are plans for new flagstones around the sculpture, replacing the red brick and concrete plinth around the statue with reclaimed local stone flags and stone sett edging, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

There would also be new fencing and a gate, refurbished seating and an accessible route from the car park to the statue.

And to combat littering the council has proposed the addition of larger, more robust bins designed to blend into the rural landscape.

A new accessible route linking the car park with the sculpture would be an alternative to the existing gravel path, which follows a steep, uneven route - which planners acknowledged was unsuitable for wheelchair users and many visitors with limited mobility.

The submitted plan also refers to potential interpretation boards, heritage information, upgraded signage and environmental enhancements, including woodland and habitat improvements in partnership with United Utilities.

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