A sculpture in the shape of Selby Abbey’s west window featuring three flying swans is to be installed on a roundabout in the town.

The 15-foot installation is part of plans to improve major roundabouts into Selby, with displays costing about £50,000.

The Gateways project will include new welcome signs on the approaches to Selby, and will be partly paid for with income from advertising and local companies. Two sculptures will be created on roundabouts at the juction of the A63, Selby Bypass, and the A1041, Bawtry Road, and the junction with the A19, Doncaster Road.

The swans installation is in celebration of the story of Benedict of Auxerre, who saw three swans which he believed represented the Holy Trinity, and signified to him where the abbey should be built in the 11th century.

The second installation will be shaped like a ship’s hull, representing the ship building trade in the town, and will also feature three flying swans, as well as the swan motif of the Selby Civic Society.

Public meetings will be held about the sculptures on:

• Thursday, September 12, 6.30pm – Southern Community Engagement Forum, Eggborough Sports & Leisure Complex

• Monday, September 16, all day – Selby Town Centre Market Stall; and 6.30pm – Tadcaster and Villages Community Engagement Forum, Riley Smith Hall, Tadcaster

• Wednesday, October 9, 6.30pm – Eastern Community Engagement Forum, Barlby High School.

The models will also be on display at the Civic Centre, Doncaster Road, Selby, this month, and at Community House, Portholme Road, between October 1 and 11.