THREE new designs have been unveiled for a piece of artwork to be built on the top of the Coppice, as part of a competition to create six new landmarks across East Lancashire.

The contest was launched by the Lancashire Environmental Arts Network in conjunction with Mid-Pennine Arts in July 2003.

But original proposals for a flying saucer sculpture entitled The Halo and a Hollywood-style Welcome to Accrington sign were rejected after a wave of protest and an Observer readers' poll.

The new designs have been drawn up for phase two of the scheme and are now on display as part of a public consultation process.

  • Design A - Landroom - is a series of giant earth mounds, which could take a number of different forms and include an optional shelter.
  • Design B - the Coppice Wind Tower - would be large enough for people to climb inside and would include a series of pathways linking it to the existing memorial.
  • Design C - which has not yet been named - would incorporate a gravel path, leading up to a large cement disc, which would turn like a roundabout, and a large stainless steel tilting plate that would reflect the panorama and act as a shelter and windbreak.

Gayle Knight, project spokesperson, said: "These three are the chosen designs at this stage. This consultation is to choose one of the designers, who will go forward to the next stage - and at that stage the design will be developed. These are not yet finished designs, but rather ideas which we will progress, which is why we are going out to consult the public."

The designs will be on display until Monday at venues including Accrington Town Hall and Accrington Library.