CITY of York Council has received a planning application to create what those behind it describe as a 'monument to mismanagement' in Station Rise.

The application submitted by Independent councillor Mark Warters, with York architect Matthew Laverack as agent, proposes a marble life-sized statue on a red granite pedestal to the person who voters in a planned public poll consider most responsible for ‘fiascos which have afflicted York.’

There would also be three faces carved in relief on three sides of the pedestal, for the next three persons the voters hold most culpable for failures in local government.

Accompanying documents state that the statue would be similar to one nearby to the Victorian George Leeman and serve as a ‘memorial to the dangers of autocratic rule,' and a warning of the ‘dangers of mismanagement in local government' .

The application states it would also list of alleged 'debacles' including the controversies around Lendal Bridge, 20’s Plenty, Youth Services, Newgate Market, Kings Square, the arts barge, salt bins, blocked drains and street cleaning.

The documents say: “It will serve as a warning to future citizens to always be on their guard against those who are supposed to be public servants but behave like public masters.”

They say the statue would be funded by public subscription and generate trade and employment for craftspeople, give a much-needed boost to residents' morale and minimise pollution, adding: "This is a statue. It will not create any pollution."

The papers say the intention is for a wide public consultation, with citizens voting for the person they think most responsible for the 'fiascos.’ The application has been submitted just weeks after a separate application by Cllr Warters for a three-pitch travellers' site on the forecourt of the council's HQ, West Offices.

A spokesperson for the council's ruling Labour group said yesterday: "This is an example of personalised nasty politics that does nothing to serve the people of York.

"Council staff should not have to waste their time processing Councillor Warters' publicity stunts when they should be serving the people of York."

Sarah Tanburn, interim director of City and Environmental Services, said: “We can confirm we have received the planning application. However, during the normal validation process this was found to be technically invalid. This was in relation to land ownership. The applicants have been informed.”