Balderton ox sculpture sat in storage for more than a year due to road safety concerns

A village sculpture has been sat in storage for more than a year after permission for installation was revoked at the eleventh hour.

In 2024, a new work of art was commissioned to become the centrepiece of the Balderton Village Trail, alongside benches and information boards.

The sculpture, created by Lincoln-based sculptor Nigel Surdeson, is shaped liked an ox pulling a plough, in homage to Balderton’s history as an agricultural community.

The trail was a Government-funded project with £50,000 secured through the Shared Prosperity Fund, and was aimed at celebrating Balderton’s history while adding interest for residents and villagers.

As part of the funding agreement, work had to be carried out by March 31, 2025.

However, despite Balderton Parish Council taking delivery of the sculpture in January last year and a foundation for the sculpture being installed opposite Sainsbury’s on London Road, permission was rescinded on safety grounds by Nottinghamshire County Council’s highways department.

The sculpture has been in storage ever since, leading to frustration among residents and village leaders.

Simon Forde, representative for Balderton South on Newark and Sherwood District Council, was instrumental in getting the trail project off the ground.

“I’m really frustrated that we haven’t been able to finish it off,” he said.

“It’s meant to be sitting out there for everyone to see, but instead it’s been sat around in storage for the best part of 18 months.

“Myself, and others, put a lot of volunteer hours into organising it. People are really proud of Balderton and all we want to do is something good for the community.”

Balderton Parish Council would be responsible for the sculpture’s upkeep.

Not all agree, with Nottinghamshire’s county councillor for Balderon, Johno Lee, against the sculpture’s proposed location – but urging communication so an agreement can be found.

“I have never opposed the wooden Ox itself,” Mr Lee said.

“My concern has always been around the originally proposed location and the highways implications raised during discussions with Nottinghamshire County Council officers.

“I worked with residents and the parish council to explore alternative locations that could allow the sculpture to be displayed safely and appropriately.

“My position has always been that the sculpture should be publicly displayed in a location that works for residents, visitors, and highway safety requirements alike.

“I do not have the power to ‘block’ an application by personal choice — that decision lays with highways officers.”

Mr Lee added that his objections had also taken into account the views of residents who had expressed concerns about the proposed London Road location potentially attracting anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

At least 60 people have signed a petition calling for the sculpture to be located on the Balderton Roundabout instead of London Road.

Highways policies do require a county councillor’s support before approval can be given, and officers have called for communication between Mr Lee and the parish council so they can reach an agreement.