THE artist responsible for the Pedestrian Heart's water feature has defended being paid £27,600 by Darlington Borough Council.

Dr Michael Pinsky said his fee was only equivalent to two pelican crossings - without traffic lights - and a speed bump.

His water feature, to be unveiled in High Row in April, represents the washing down of markets in years past.

The 39-year-old Scottish artist, who lives in London, could not specify how much time he spent on the project - but insisted he was value for money.

Dr Pinsky was also paid a separate amount by the Arts Council which has not been revealed, but is thought to be about £25,000.

His council fee was revealed after a request under the Freedom of Information Act by The Northern Echo.

"I must have visited Darlington at least 30 times," he said.

"When I invoice, every single day I work is itemised, whether it is on or off site."

Mr Pinsky also designed the lighting tower Life Pulse, a Christmas decoration, and other features that were not used.

"You have got to put things in perspective. Do you know how much a pelican crossing costs, without the traffic lights? £12,000.

"Do you know how much a speed bump costs? £3,000. I live in a council estate on King's Cross with 400 or 500 flats. They're suggesting CCTV, which will cost £1m, plus £170,000 per year to maintain.

"Darlington is getting a whole new environment for £7m. For a town, that is not that expensive. It's all relevant."

Dr Pinsky also defended the artwork itself.

"Something that is very important to me is opening up the space on High Row, in the way it was 150 or 200 years ago," he said.

"But you can't say you're proud of a piece until you have seen it in the flesh. Anything can happen between conception and realisation."

Dr Pinsky calls himself an "urban planner, activist, researcher, resident and artist". He graduated from the Royal College of Art, and is a senior lecturer at East London University.

He was chosen by Darlington Borough Council after the contract was put out to tender. The total cost of the Pedestrian Heart project is expected to be more than £8.5m.