By Emma Gill

Copyright manchestereveningnews

A new sculpture unveiled at one of the region’s most popular parks has been criticised by residents who are asking how much it cost. Questions are being asked over what Wigan Council has contributed to Snail on Me, created by international artist Anne Duk Hee Jordan and installed inside the walled gardens at Haigh Woodland Park. The sculpture, which ‘explores themes such as biodiversity and climate change’, was opened at a fun day attended by families from across the borough on Saturday, September 13. But not everyone has been positive about the new addition to the park, where it’s expected to remain in place for at least five years. For the best ideas on days out, shopping and parenting issues, get the Manchester Family newsletter here Commenting on a photo of the new sculpture shared on the council’s Facebook page, residents have said the installation looks ‘more like a slug’ or ‘a dinghy’. “Seriously, Wigan have spent money on that? And it isn’t even a local artist,” said one. Another said: “My grandson made a mess in his nappy yesterday that looked better than this… people will call anything art these days. We mustn’t have artists in the UK.” Others questioned how much money has been spent on the sculpture, saying ‘hope you have not wasted tax payers money on this’ and ‘rubbish, how much did we pay for that.” One resident did defend the artwork however, saying: “Do some people ever have anything good or positive to say about anything? “Moan, moan, moan it’s public art like most towns have to make them better. Perhaps you all need a bit more culture.” The funding for Snail on Me was provided by Arts Council England, Art Fund, Vallum Associates and Wigan Council and designed by Duk Hee, the steel work was created and installed by Fish fabrications, the new pond and landscaping carried out by Horticon. The council has not revealed the full cost of the project, or what its share amounts to, but said its contribution towards the project will have ‘been drawn from wider funding awarded by the council to UP Projects towards the wider Bodies of Water project’. The official launch event represented just one element of this project, the council said, with other elements including a programme of educational resources and workshops for local schools, as well as community engagement workshops and events. Peter Hughes, operations director at Haigh Hall, said: “Snail on Me is completely different to anything else we have at Haigh and we’re really proud to host such an original work by an acclaimed international artist within our walled gardens. “While we’ve had loads of great feedback and had a really positive reaction at our official opening, the great thing about art is that it’s completely subjective and, naturally, not everybody likes the same thing. “Art is at its best when it starts conversations and debates, so we’re really pleased that it has got people talking and we’d love as many people as possible to come and visit Snail On Me for themselves to make up their own mind. “The project has also created some exciting opportunities for talented local artists and performers to be showcased as part of our events programme, and for educational resources and art workshops to be developed for local schools – helping to encourage a love of art in future generations.” Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities at Wigan Council, said: “It was brilliant to see so many local people across the park on Saturday enjoying the workshops, installation from local artists and of course, the new sculpture, Snail on Me. “Despite the weather , people turned out and said how much they liked the new sculpture, which is the second public art installation at Haigh this year and part of the wider transformation across the estate. “We can’t wait to continue to see more and more projects coming to fruition at Haigh for people to enjoy.” As well as the sculpture being unveiled, there were a series of workshops throughout the day hosted by local artist Anna FC Smith, along with the programme’s Local Community Ambassadors. Join our Family WhatsApp group HERE Other activities included Kubatana dance group Everything Human Rights performing a rain dance, Groundworks hosting a pond-dip and artist Zephie Begolo running two family clay making workshops, using clay from the grounds of Haigh. Two new art commissions were also viewable within the grounds, one from local artist Dustin Lyon and the other from Alison Cooper aka Magpahi. Haigh Hall and surrounding woodland park is undergoing a multi mullion pound restoration programme, with investment in the Hall, Plantation Gates, the Bothy Yard and cottages, the Kitchen Garden and ornamental pond. Snail on Me is located in the lower walled gardens and can be viewed seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm. What do you think of the new sculpture? Should councils help fund artwork like this? Let us know your views in the comments here .