England's smallest town wins row with council over plans for 'totally inappropriate' sculptures outside church

Watlington Parish Council in Oxfordshire voted in favor of scrapping plans for controversial sculptures outside St Leonard's Church. The proposal, which included four concrete and steel sculptures with metal spikes, was deemed 'totally inappropriate' by the council. The decision came after an online petition garnered 1,600 signatures opposing the artwork. Watlington, England's smallest town with a population of just 2,500, successfully challenged the plans through community action. Councilor Monika Burchett led the opposition, stating the sculptures would negatively impact the historic church and its surroundings. The council will now seek alternative, more appropriate artwork for the site that better reflects the town's heritage and character.