By Ben Holt
THE mystery of the Hebden Bridge stone circle has been solved – by the man who created it.
Sculptor Mike Williams carved the monoliths which sprang up as part of the town centre's controversial redesign. The bollards, covered in faces, whorls and words, have divided opinion.
Many people have welcomed them but others have been fiercely critical of the artistic obstructions and their creator. Now Mr Williams, who lives in Hebden Bridge, has hit back at the doubters. He said: "I am incredibly pleased with the final pieces but I didn't expect such a torrent of abuse.
"It has been quite distressing that people don't actually realise how these things came about.
"I have heard so many rumours flying around. People are saying I am a man from London or that they were made by the council in their workshop.
"Someone even said they were bought off the Internet. But I am a local artist."
The sculptor spent months researching the area and local heritage before finalising the designs.
"They are based on the old milestones that are on all the old roads, packhorse trails and railways round here. And each one has a unique theme."
The three bollards that have already been erected will soon be joined by four more. The themes range from local legends of ancient Viking settlements in the area, to the impact of modern-day tourists.
"Hopefully people will wait until they see the others before they make up their minds but some people will never like change," said Mr Williams.
"They were never intended to be immediate. They are intended for people to have a good look at, to work them out. I am hoping that people will grow to like them. I'll know they have if people start to give them names and arrange to meet up by them because they are popular landmarks."
Each stone took two weeks to carve at Mr Williams's Valley Road workshop. They were commissioned by Calderdale Council as part of the pedestrianisation of Bridgegate and St George's Square, where they sit. Some people are still critical of the scheme.
Hebden Royd town councillor Stewart Brown said: "There is obviously general disquiet – to say the least – about the way St George's Square is proceeding. I'm even more apoplectic about the fact that the Central Street area is being pushed aside when unlimited funds seem to be available for other measures that people weren't consulted on."
ben.holt@halifaxcourier.co.uk