THE first three pieces in a series of public sculptures have been installed in Boscombe – to mixed reviews.

They will form the area’s first arts trail and the designs were created by Dorset artist Andy Kirkby, who worked from ideas put forward by residents of Sea Road and Undercliff Road.

All seven sculptures, many of which will have a blue glow at night, are linked through colour, a gilded rope feature and materials including bronze, copper and cast iron.

The rope feature is intended to lead people towards the next piece of art along Sea Road and each has a marine theme.

Cllr Anne Filer, Bournemouth’s cabinet member for leisure, said: “This is an exciting project which has really engaged the local community.”

Like most pieces of art, the sculptures have met with a host of different reactions.

Resident Linda Sheppard said: “I love every one of the fun designs and I think they will inspire and entertain passers by.”

And Mark Cribb, who runs Urban Beach, said: “The arts trail is a fantastic way of linking the beautiful recent improvements on the seafront with the high street.”

San Remo Towers resident Jean Jackman said: “I wonder how long it’ll be before it’s vandalised?”

The £74,000 trail was funded by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment as part of the council’s cultural regeneration project for Boscombe and should be completed by September 30.