A ROW has broken out after thousands of pounds was spent on crochet sculptures, an animated film and a new map displayed at Accrington market hall.

Critics said that the bill was wrong at a time when the public sector was facing massive spending cuts.

But those behind the scheme said they were value for money as they ‘created a lot of enjoyment’ in Accrington.

As well as the £2,500 crochet bill, Liberating Empty Terrain, a project funded by East Lancashire councils and the Arts Council, spent £3,700 on the animated film and £2,000 on the new map of the town.


Watch the Animating Accy film

All the items were on display in empty stalls at Accrington Market Hall, which recently underwent a £2m revamp.

It comes after Hyndburn Council was criticised for spending £8,000 on a personal appearance by celebrity chef Aldo Zilli at the market.

Opposition councillors said the arts projects took up space in the market hall which should be filled with stalls.

Labour councillor Ken Moss said: “The market hall needs stalls to be vibrant but instead space is taken up by these projects.

"It cannot be right to be spending public money this way at a time of so many cuts.”

Labour leader Miles Parkinson said: “Art is in the eye of the beholder, but the costs are stacking up when the whole country has to cut back.”

However, arts development officer Gayle Knight said: “People will always debate public spending on art, but these schemes created a lot of enjoyment and activity in the town centre.”

And council leader Peter Britcliffe said: “The film Animating Accy is brilliant and promotes all of the town centre.

"I cannot understand why these efforts are being knocked, instead of supported, by the opposition.”