Redesigned Ossett town centre murals approved

New designs for a mural in Ossett town centre have been approved after previous plans were withdrawn over objections to the "garish" design.

The artwork, which features archway windows inspired by those found in the Town Hall, will be installed on the side of Richmond's Butchers in Market Place.

Previous images were withdrawn in April after they received more than 150 objections from members of the public.

A fresh planning application, featuring new images celebrating the town's landmarks and symbols, was submitted following a public consultation.

The designs, by West Yorkshire based artist Shiraaz Ali, include Ossett's town hall, war memorial, Gawthorpe water tower and Trinity Church. Local wildlife is also featured in the work.

Hannah Appleyard, the council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, previously said it would be a "celebration of everything Ossett has to offer".

"From its famous weekly markets to its commemoration of VE Day paying respect to our veterans, and to the local wildlife, such as the peregrine falcon.

"It will welcome locals and visitors alike to the town."

The work is part of the legacy of Our Year – Wakefield District 2024, supported with investment from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Arts Council England.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, 163 people objected after the original designs were put out for consultation in 2024.

They featured symbols of the town's historic links to the textile industry and images of the Gawthorpe World Coal Carrying Championship, Maypole celebrations and Beercart procession.

One objector said the work was "garish, lacks elegance and would very quickly become an eyesore".

"My main objection is that this style of mural is not in keeping with the buildings around it, especially the recently renovated Town Hall," they added.

Another said: "Please don't make us a laughing stock by proceeding with this – it needs careful thought and consultation before proceeding."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.