Questions raised over £200,000 of street art destined for Dewsbury and Huddersfield

However local Tories are split over the value and effectiveness of the project.

The temporary works – including a “rainbow of ribbons” destined for both town centres – are designed to help the borough emerge stronger from the coronavirus lockdown.

As well as the rainbow river of ribbons above both town centres the money will be spent on new planters and green planting, artworks in shop windows, a pop-up sculpture trail and a hidden gallery in bricked-up windows or old buildings.

Dewsbury will also get an outdoor gallery along Long Causeway and around the town hall. Hoardings in Huddersfield will also be decorated.

The leader of the Conservative group, Clr David Hall, said a lot of money was being spent on a temporary attraction that would not draw people into the two towns.

He also said smaller towns in the borough – Mirfield, Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton – should not be overlooked.

He commented: “I’ve never voted for a piece of public art. I think for £200,000 to be spent at this time on public art is not really on.

“I can’t see any benefits of it at all. I don’t think it will encourage a single person to go into the town just because there’s public art there.

“The other thing is, it’s temporary, isn’t it? Once you’ve taken it down and everybody’s seen it, that’s £200,000 you’re not going to get back. That’s a personal view.”

In response Labour veteran Clr Peter McBride said: “They did say that about the Angel of the North. People were very anti to it at the time. I think now people are somewhat reconciled to it, shall we put it that way?

“It’s a matter of perception.”

Clr Hall’s deputy and party colleague, Clr John Taylor, had a different response.

He said: “I love the cultural interventions. Very supportive of that.

“The one thing the pandemic’s done to all of us is left us feeling a bit fed-up.

“And actually something bright, interesting and new is something that hopefully might lift people’s mood a little bit.”

The council’s decision-making Cabinet voted unanimously to approve the spending.