Saltburn is to get its controversial modern art statues.

Councillors have agreed to the two stainless steel sculptures being sited in the town - ending months of wrangling over the issue.

It is hoped to have them in place in time for the spring judging of Northumbria in Bloom next month.

But after the Redcar and Cleveland planning committee decision, which was overwhelmingly in favour, a critic said the statues displayed "the worst type of theme park mentality."

Some members raised fears the sculptures could be vandalised, but Coun Dave McLuckie said: "When we stop doing things for that reason, we might as well pack up and go home."

Not everyone liked the idea of the 12ft figures. Coun Arthur Harvison said they were "one way to get rid of scrap metal."

For applicants Saltburn Improvement Company, however, Coun Joan Guy said: "I am delighted."

A figure of Saltburn's founding father, Henry Pease, will be put up along Marine Parade, near a convalescent home built by his family.

The sculpture representing the town's railway history is to be erected near the Valley Gardens.

At Wednesday's meeting, planning officer Doreen Mealing said there had been 35 letters for the application and 13 against.

Coun Arthur Dobson said: "It is about time we started to get some culture. Our borough is so bland. These will set conversation going. The people who have objected don't like change."

Coun Harvison said: "I hate the look of them, but if the people of Saltburn want them, that's OK. It is one way of getting rid of scrap metal I suppose. If the townspeople want these figures they are welcome to them."

Coun Richard Rudland said the statues, which have cost £23,000, should be installed with a fanfare. "Let's have a celebration of moving forward to the twenty first century."

Coun John Robinson said: "Never has a town been so divided as Saltburn has on this issue.

"But if the statues are vandalised, as they may well be, who will pick up the bill?"

Coun McLuckie said: "I am disappointed at people thinking we should not put these pieces of modern art in Saltburn because they could be vandalised.

"When we start to stop doing things for that reason then the vandal has won the day. I for one won't be giving in to the vandals.

"I don't like these figures but most people in Saltburn are in favour. We must never bow to the low-lifes who seek to destroy things we do. The only way to beat them is to continue to put right their wrongs."

After the meeting, Coun Guy said: "I am pleased so many people bothered to write in, mostly supporting the idea of having something new in Saltburn."

Coun Guy is secretary of the SIC and has admitted the sculptures are very much "her baby."

Along with the D&S Times, she was one of the first people from the area to see the statues at the Doncaster studio where they have been made.

Also at the meeting was community stalwart Jackie Taylor, who said: "I am relieved at the decision. We just need to get them in place now."

Saltburn resident Brian Kennedy, who has campaigned against the sculptures, said: "It is a pity the councillors did not uphold the conservation status of Saltburn as a Victorian town.

"The statues display the worst type of theme park mentality and will give Saltburn a reputation for gimmickry."