A bright new sculpture has appeared in Corsham - thanks to a collaboration between the Town Council and a local artist.

Last year, the Town Council commissioned artist and local resident Anya Beaumont to create a new gateway for the Valley Road entrance of its biggest green space and play area, Springfield Recreation Ground.

Taking inspiration from the Rec’s wildflower area, the two floral pieces, which stand at almost three metres tall, feature roses, poppies, daisies, marigolds and more, and are fashioned from recycled second-hand fence panels and gates which have been welded together to create a striking design.

Much of Anya’s work involves upcycling – she is also responsible for the ‘Plastic Fantastic’ birds that adorn Corsham's tennis court fence by the Rec’s play area, all of which were made by Anya and local schoolchildren.

The artwork was installed on May 31, and will soon be joined by a smaller barrier, of a similar design, to prevent children and dogs running straight out towards the road, along with fence panels which Anya is working on now.

These will also have a scattering of wildflowers on them "as if they have blown across on the wind."

Both Anya and the town council described the collaborative approach as one of real joy.

Anya said: “It's been a great opportunity to develop a way of working that I started with the poppy gates for the Garden of Remembrance here in Corsham.

"This is a much larger project, though, and there are many more flowers.

"I don't know how many, I haven't counted them, but I do know that painting them individually has been quite a job and I ended up dreaming about them and worrying I might have missed one!”

Town Council Chairman Cllr Steve Abbott added: “We are delighted with the new gateway at Springfield and can’t wait to see the rest of Anya’s work for the site. Corsham has a strong arts heritage so for us, as a Town Council, to be able to commission local artists for projects such as this, is very gratifying.

"The fact that Anya’s design includes recycled materials is also very important as far as our environmental work is concerned.”

It is hoped that even more colour will return to the town, with the hopeful return of Corsham in Bloom this year.

All the in-town categories are back for the planned event, plus a few new ones that were really popular last year.

Categories include Best Garden, Best Planter or Window Box, Best Hanging Basket and Best Wildlife Garden or Environmental Project.

Judging of gardens, plans and displays will take place in conjunction with the latest government guidance. Judging is set to take place in mid July and entries close for Corsham in Bloom on June 30.

You can find the form at https://www.corsham.gov.uk/index.php, or give us a call on 01249 702130 and we'll put one in the post to you.