THE number of “Metalhead” scrap-metal sculptures in Minehead streets is “turning the place into a Lego toytown,” and should be reduced, campaigners claimed this week.

The move follows complaints that a yellow metalhead bearing a “Welcome to the Dukey” sign had been chained next to the Grade II listed Queen Anne statue in Wellington Square over the Easter weekend. The sculpture, referring to the nearby Duke of Wellington hotel, has since been removed.

Since litter-campaigner turned welder Steven Heard began making metalheads at the beginning of the Covid pandemic “to brighten up the town and bring a smile during these difficult times,” the scrap-metal army, based on local businesses and activities, in and around Minehead, peaked at over 150.

“To start with they were quite fun, but now there are far too many of them and a lot look rusty and shabby and do nothing for the town,” said former town councillor Michael Burke.

“I have had scores of messages from residents who say ‘enough is enough’, particularly as these things are on streets and public places without planning permission. Metalheads are now out of control and are taking over the town.”

he metalhead next to Queen Anne's statue
he metalhead next to Queen Anne's statue (he metalhead next to Queen Anne's statue)

Steven Heard with enthusiastic youngster outside the Minehead Eye
Steven Heard with enthusiastic youngster outside the Minehead Eye (Steven Heard with enthusiastic youngster outside the Minehead Eye)

He added: “They should be only allowed on private property. Some are now causing obstructions in the streets and pose a potential risk of accidents. The town council, which controls Wellington Square, has said that permission was not given to put the figure next to Queen Anne’s statue.”

Mr Heard, 56, a former town councillor, was a carpenter but became profoundly deaf and was unable to work for health and mobility reasons. Teaching himself welding and metalwork, he began making metalheads in his garage “using stuff people have thrown away.”

Taken up by the media, the business grew, moved to larger premises and in 2022 became the Original Metalheads Co, a community interests company with three directors, including Mr Heard.

Some metalheads are given away to deserving causes and others can be bought in various sizes:  full sized metalheads cost around £350, half sized ones around £150 and desktop versions from £70.

There is also an ‘adoption scheme’, with ownership remaining with the company, and a health check package.

This week, the managing director of the Original Metalheads Co, Fiona Toms, said that at a “constructive meeting” with Mr Burke she had explained that the sculpture had not been placed in Wellington Square by the company but by the client who commissioned it.

Steven Heard with a paramedic
Steven Heard with a paramedic (Steven Heard with a paramedic)

A lifeboat man keeps watch
A lifeboat man keeps watch (A lifeboat man keeps watch )

“We had nothing to do with placing the metalhead in the square and certainly did not approve of it. After the complaints, we voluntarily arranged to have it cut from its position next to the statue and removed.”

She added: “We have not increased the number of metalheads but are making sure that the existing ones are fit for purpose. We are going through a scheme of refurbishment for people whose businesses are advertised through the sculptures.”

Ms Toms said that a “census” of the metalheads revealed that 50 of the original 150 could not be accounted for, and the owners of the remaining 100 will be asked if they still want to display them.

She said: “We have no funding for the business and it seems reasonable to charge a small maintenance fee to keep the metalheads - which stand out in all weathers - in good condition and attractive to visitors and residents.

“Three metalheads are on Minehead town council land and we have written permission for them to be there. There rest are either on private or Somerset Council land.

“Now we have identified where they all are, we will seek permission from Somerset Council to have them placed there. They do not need planning permission because they are not permanent structures.

“We do have public liability insurance and we are very aware of health and safety regulations.”

“We have over 2,000 internet followers who love the metalheads and the metalhead trail is the second most inquired-about attraction in Minehead after the timetable for the Coaster bus.”

When over 70 residents took to social media this week, opinion was divided on the metalhead invasion, ranging from “I fail to see how this inappropriate figure enhances Wellington Square,” to “They look great - something for visitors to follow. Keep up the fun in life, Steve.”