TWO new pieces of art could be installed at Selby roundabouts after council leaders agreed to push the scheme forward.

Selby District Council will contribute up to £7,300 towards a £52,300 project for the metal sculptures, which the authority said would celebrate the town’s history and culture and could also lead to advertising income which can be used for other improvements or services.

The scheme is part of the council’s Gateways initiative, with a five-metre installation on the A63/A1041 Bawtry Road roundabout featuring a ship’s hull and the three “swans of Selby”. The swans will also be included on an artwork in the shape of Selby Abbey’s west window at the A63/A19 Brayton roundabout.

Drax and Eggborough power stations are providing £45,000 in grants between them and the council’s executive has agreed to seek planning permission for the work. Coun John Mackman, executive member for place-shaping, said: “We are a step closer to achieving our overall purpose of improving these important gateways to our town, which will provide a more welcoming appeal to residents and visitors. We want to build pride in the area, which will have a knock-on benefit in terms of investment and potentially jobs.”

Groundwork North Yorkshire will manage and run the project and the plans are expected to be considered early in 2014.