THE sands of time are running out for seaside sculptures ordered to be torn down by the same council that paid £10,000 to have them installed.

Members of a community group were warned by Redcar’s council that they could face a £700 bill if they don’t remove a series of elaborate sculptures that cost £35,000 to create.

A tribute to Manchester bombing victims, a detailed castle and a Romeo and Juliet themed piece are among six sculptures currently standing close to Redcar’s boating lake.

The Friends of Redcar, the group leading the project, worked closely with the council prior to the installation of the impressive sculptures in May.

The sculptures – which were funded via contributions from the council and local business sponsorship - were expected to remain in place until October, as has been the case in previous years.

With Redcar and Cleveland Council’s permission, the sculptures were erected in a location that also serves as a transition point for a yearly triathlon.

The Friends group were shocked to be told the artworks must be torn down to provide additional space for the athletic event, which is expected to attract significantly more participants than was anticipated.

They were told they would have to pay the council £700 to arrange removal if they were not able to dismantle the sculptures themselves before Sunday, July 30.

They have now launched a social media appeal in a bid for help, offering to give the sand away to builders.

Cllr Carl Quartermain, who is a member of the Friends group, said he was appalled at the council’s attitude.

He added: “The triathlon only lasts for a day and these sculptures can be enjoyed for months more.

“People love them, they’re really popular and they help to boost footfall in Redcar while making the town more vibrant, which is what we want.

“We were devastated to receive the bill asking us to knock them down or pay £700, it absolutely beggars belief.

“When the area was chosen, everyone was aware of the triathlon happening and if there had been a problem, we could have easily put the sculptures up somewhere else.

“There has been no joined up thinking and no compassion – it is very disappointing, people are still getting a lot of enjoyment from the sculptures.”

Cllr Quartermain was invited to discuss the issue at a meeting with the council late on Friday.

Following the meeting, a spokesman for Redcar and Cleveland Council said the authority would endeavour to keep some of the sculptures, which were created by an internationally acclaimed group of artists.

He said: “The council is working with the Friends of Redcar and triathlon organisers TriHard to explore every option to see if we are able keep as many sand sculptures as possible as well as creating enough space to accommodate the triathlon in order to ensure a successful event.”