VALE residents are being invited to help shape the designs for four iconic new sculptures being planned for positions along the Heritage Coast.

The sculptures, one of which is being earmarked for St Athan, will mark the key entrance points to the area as part of an ongoing initiative to raise the profile of the destination to visitors and residents alike.

Artist Howard Bowcott, a specialist in large-scale public artworks, has been commissioned by Creative Rural Communities to create the sculptures. Initial concept designs show large fin or sail-like shapes made from layers of locally-sourced stone that will represent the cliff strata of the coastline.

Residents can help shape the designs by attending one of two public consultations where they can meet the artist, view the initial designs and offer their thoughts on what makes the Glamorgan Heritage Coast special. Mr Bowcott will also be hosting consultations with local school pupils.

The public consultations will be held on Monday, January 18 6pm to 8pm at St Bridget’s Church Hall in St Brides Major and on Tuesday, January 19 at 10.30am to– 12.30pm at Llantwit Major Town Hall.

Councillor Lis Burnett, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “We hope that local residents will enjoy being part of the design process and will have a real sense of pride as the sculptures are unveiled later in 2016.

"The Glamorgan Heritage Coast is a great asset in the Vale of Glamorgan and these features will really highlight the area as something special.”

This commission is part of a collection of works funded by the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the Coastal Communities Fund, and is being led by Creative Rural Communities, the regeneration and economic development initiative in the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Creative Rural Communities is part funded by the Welsh Government Rural Communities Rural Development Programme 2014/2020, which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Union.

To register your interest in the consultations, or for more information email create@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk call 01446 704707 or visit www.inspiringthevale.co.uk