Vandalism fears for artwork plans at new residential development

Measures must be taken to prevent artwork from being vandalised after it is installed throughout Dumbarton’s newest residential development, councillors have warned.

Members of West Dunbartonshire’s planning committee approved plans for the art, which includes two metal bench seats, four barrel seats, three metal geese sculptures, eight cast iron paving reliefs, eight acrylic resin wall plaques and a viewpoint, to be placed throughout the housing estate in the town centre and along the waterfront.

Many of the properties are already occupied in the development which is nearing completion and is made up of a mix of terraced houses and flats, all owned and managed by Dunbritton Housing Association.

The viewpoint sculpture will be positioned next to the new riverside walkway, will bear the Dumbarton coat of arms and will frame the view of Dumbarton Rock and Dumbarton Castle.

It is hoped that these proposals will help create an attractive place to live and visit.

West Dunbartonshire: Dumbarton’s newest residential development. LDRS

During Wednesday’s planning committee, councillor Jonathon McColl said: “Once all these various pieces of artwork are installed, who is going to own them and who is going to be responsible for maintenance and repairs.

“My only concern is the risk of graffiti – it is just the nature of these things. I am not saying that we don’t approve the planning application in case it gets vandalised but it is going to happen.

“We have horrible people out there who have nothing better to do with their lives. There is a risk of the viewing monument being subject to graffiti and it is really important that we have a commitment that is going to be monitored and should it appear, it be removed as quickly as possible.

“It would be good to have the applicant here to discuss that.”

Councillor McColl was informed that Dunbritton Housing Association would look after the seats and sculptures and that the council would clarify this after the committee meeting.

The application was approved unanimously on the condition that information on how the artwork would be preserved be presented to the council.

By local democracy reporter Catherine Hunter