ARTISTS are being encouraged to come up with a new sculpture as part of regeneration plans for a coastal town.

The aim is to create an artwork plinth in Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool, inspired by its history and in particular the town’s seafront promenade.

Councillor Kevin Cranney, chairman of Hartlepool Borough Council’s regeneration services committee, added: “The town has an impressive array of Victorian monuments, but very little sculpture has been added in recent years.

“We aim to change this and we are looking forward to seeing submissions for this exciting commission for Seaton Carew.”

Council leader Christopher Akers-Belcher said significant investment was planned for the town with the aim of boosting the visitor economy.

The deadline for submissions is noon on January 5 2017. A shortlist will then be selected before a public consultation.

A final selection process will then take place where one work will be selected to become the sculpture for the Seaton Carew plinth.

The selected artist will receive a fee of up to £20,000 to produce their proposed sculpture, subject to stage two of the council’s Coastal Communities Fund application being successful.

A sum of £10,000 would also be available to cover design costs.

To find out more visit www.hartlepool.gov.uk/artists or call (01429) 284278.