A NORTH-EAST council has strengthened its opposition to plans for a towering sculpture after members dubbed it a monstrosity.

Durham County Council is promoting the 60ft steel and coloured glass waymarker as its answer to the Angel of the North.

The tower will have steel lettering, spelling County Durham, down its length, with each letter lit up in white.

It would be visible to passengers flying to and from Teesside Airport.

It is intended as an artistic finishing touch to the recently completed A689 Sedgefield to Wynyard dual carriageway.

The proposal was discussed at a meeting of Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee.

Planning officers had urged members to voice strong opposition to what they feel is an obtrusive advertisement, but members at the meeting went even further.

Councillor Ben Ord said the structure was a monstrosity, while Councillor James Wayman said it would cause road safety problems.

He said: "It would be a nightmare - a distraction for motorists - and I'm totally opposed to it."

Deputy leader of the council, Councillor Kester Noble, said he would normally support plans for public art, but in this instance felt the money would be better spent on highways improvements.

Councillor Andrew Gray ridiculed the comparison with the Angel of the North and Councillor Kath Conroy branded it vulgar and ridiculous.

Planning officer Charlie Walton, who called the tower an alien feature in the countryside, said he would strengthen the wording of the objection to reflect members' concerns.

He said: "If it was something subtle and well thought out, and the county council had consulted ourselves and parish councils to determine the best way forward, perhaps we might be talking differently."