CONSTRUCTION of new sculptures will begin on roundabouts around Selby this weekend.

The metal sculptures have been designed to represent the heritage of the town, with one installation shaped like the west window in Selby Abbey including three swans flying towards the town, while the other will be shaped like a ship's hull, to represent the ship building industry.

Both scultpures will be five metres tall, and located on the roundabouts at the junctions of the A63 and the A1041 in Bawtry Road, and the junction of the A63 and the A19 in Doncaster Road, and are expected to cost about £50,000.

Councillor John Mackman, executive member for place shaping, said: "I'm very excited that this project has almost reached an end and I can't wait to see the sculptures up on the roundabouts. They will help make the district more appealing and welcoming for both visitors and residents.

"We had very positive feedback from residents when we consulted with them on the designs earlier in the year and I believe the inclusion of the iconic Selby swans in the designs will help instil real pride within our community. Projects such as these which seek to improve the image of Selby will hopefully have a knock on benefit in terms of investment and potentially jobs in the area too."

Funding for the design of the sculptures was provided by Selby District Council, who have also provided 10 per cent of the final cost for the work. The remainder of the funding has been provided by Drax and Eggborough power stations.

The sculptures will be illuminated at night, and surrounded with shrubbery and floral landscaping, and work is expected to start on the sculptures on Monday, and last until the end of November. A spokesman for SDC said road traffic should not be affected by the process.

An official unveiling of the sculptures is expected in December.