A SCULPTURE of two giant mosaic fish was craned into position at the entrance to Erith at the weekend.

The £60,000 sculpture, nearly 25ft high and situated on the roundabout by Erith Town Hall, is one of the largest 3D mosaics in Europe.

It was created by Gary Drostle, president of the British Association of Modern Mosaics, and has taken a team of mosaic makers nearly a year to put together at a studio at the Thames Road industrial estate in Crayford.

The sculpture is the fourth of six public works of art commissioned for the town, following public consultation, and which have involved local arts groups and schools.

The design echoes the former Erith Urban District Council and the De Lucy family coats of arms which featured three pike fish, and will be illuminated at night.

But one resident has already criticised the sculpture. Valerie Wilton, from Barnehurst, who watched it being erected, has described it as "a monstrosity" and has complained to Bexley Council, suggesting covering the roundabout with flowerbeds would be a more acceptable way of brightening up the town.