A controversial picnic table will stay put in Mosgiel, defying an artist's intentions by blocking pedestrian flow.
Mosgiel Taieri Community Board members moved a motion for a picnic table on Gordon and Factory Rds to stay.
At a board meeting last week, chairman Bill Feather tabled historical information on the Falling Leaves sculpture by Siegfried Koglmeier, The information revealed Koglmeier wanted the leaf-shaped concrete paving stones to be different sizes and be placed randomly but the sculpture had paving stones equal in size, which were placed uniformly.
Koglmeier designed the sculpture for pedestrians to walk across the paving stones to access the toilet block.
Otago Sculpture Trust committee member Peter Nicholls said it was insensitive to the sculpture to remove paving stones for the table installation, which was part of a board initiative to improve public spaces.
The board decision for the table to stay was wrong, Mr Nicholls said.
''I'm totally against their decision. To me, it's an absolute outrage. It is a slap in the face to public art.''
Mr Feather and member Martin Dillon wanted the table to stay but member Blackie Catlow wanted it removed.
''The bloody table is a disgrace,'' Mr Catlow said.
Since the table was ''thrown on'', the area had become untidy, he said.
Councillor Kate Wilson said she wanted the ''jarring'' concrete slab underneath the table to be painted green.
The board passed two further motions to ensure the council's urban designer was involved in any future placement of furniture in public spaces and for the designer to provide a ''concept plan'' after investigating if the area could be more attractive and functional.
Mr Feather said the board would consider the recommendations, which would be open for public consultation.
Mosgiel resident Cam Shaw, who had conducted a survey that revealed most respondents wanted the table to stay, said he was ''delighted'' the table would remain.
''I'm pleased that the will of the majority of the people has been upheld.''
