A NEW piece of public art is set to be installed in Eastleigh.

A four-metre high garden fork, with laser cut panels reflecting elements of the surrounding landscape will be installed at the new housing development off Woodside Avenue.

The artwork will be located on a new area of public open space, designed to support interaction between residents and increase usage of the area.

The winning proposal came from Guildford-based artist blacksmith Bex Simon.

She said: "We are thrilled to have been chosen for this project. When I read the brief, describing the link with the allotments, I was really intrigued to explore an idea around these diverse melting pots of personalities.

"To me, allotments have always resembled a patchwork, where individuals make their mark on their own strip of land, so each one says something about its owner."

As part of the project, Bex, her partner David Harris, and her team of artist blacksmiths will work with the local community, new residents and members of the allotment association to develop ideas for the artwork.

"We want the local people to feel like it is their art. We hope that people will feel that the artwork represents the new residents, as well as creating a permanent link back to the allotments,”she added.

The project has been commissioned by Woodside Avenue Developments LLP - a joint venture between Eastleigh Borough Council and VIVID.

Cllr Paul Bicknell said: "This public artwork will celebrate not only the site’s rich heritage but also its exciting beginnings as a newly forged community.”