The leader of a Norfolk council has assured residents the authority will not put any money towards the development of a giant sculpture which is planned for the A47 roundabout in Great Yarmouth.

Eastern Daily Press: People travelling to and from Great Yarmouth could soon be passing a giant Herring of the East sculpture, being compared in impact and scale to Antony Gormley's Angel of the North Picture: Paul PattersonPeople travelling to and from Great Yarmouth could soon be passing a giant Herring of the East sculpture, being compared in impact and scale to Antony Gormley's Angel of the North Picture: Paul Patterson (Image: Paul Patterson)

Plans for the 'Herring of the East' sculpture were revealed last month, with the project expected to cost between £60,000 and £100,000.

At a meeting of Great Yarmouth's full council, at the Town Hall on Thursday, November 7, council leader, Carl Smith, was asked by a member of the public about the proposed structure.

Although Mr Smith said he supported the plans, he stressed the council would not put any money towards creating the structure.

Eastern Daily Press: Paul Patterson, designer, with his scale model of the proposed ‘Silver Herring’ sculpture. Picture: Jamie HoneywoodPaul Patterson, designer, with his scale model of the proposed ‘Silver Herring’ sculpture. Picture: Jamie Honeywood (Image: Jamie HoneywoodArchantNorwichNorfolk)

He said: "I can assure you the council will not be funding any sculpture.

"It will need to be privately funded."

Designer of the sculpture, Paul Patterson, from Ormesby St Margaret, took inspiration from the town's proud fishing heritage and said he hopes the eight-metre-tall silver herring will provide an impressive welcome for people coming into Great Yarmouth.

Eastern Daily Press: People travelling to and from Great Yarmouth could soon be passing a giant Herring of the East sculpture, being compared in impact and scale to Antony Gormley's Angel of the North Picture: Paul PattersonPeople travelling to and from Great Yarmouth could soon be passing a giant Herring of the East sculpture, being compared in impact and scale to Antony Gormley's Angel of the North Picture: Paul Patterson (Image: Paul Patterson)

Mr Patterson admitted there were still a number of obstacles to overcome for the plans to get the green light at the Vauxhall roundabout.