A PLAN to revive the Willow Man sculpture near Bridgwater has been given a funding boost by National Highways.

The artwork, located next to junction 23 of the M5, has deteriorated over the years to the point where it is nearly unidentifiable.

It was produced by artist Serena de la Hay and unveiled in 2000.

The sculpture was commissioned by South West Arts to mark the new millennium and to acknowledge the role of willow in the ecology and craft tradition of the Somerset Levels.

Somerset Council has received £35,000 from National Highways' Designated Funding programme for an initial feasibility study on the possibility of repairing, enhancing and relocating the Willow Man.

The potential future project could see the figure reconstructed using more robust materials.

Somerset County Gazette: Somerset Council has received £35,000 from National Highways

Activities covered by the funding include public engagement, initial blueprint and costings and artists' impressions.

Extensive searches and surveys concerning land ownership and topography to pinpoint potential sites will also be undertaken.

Somerset Council is asking people for their views and is launching an online engagement page on its website.

Over the coming weeks, it will also liaise with local parish councils and other key stakeholders to gather their views.

Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council's lead member for transport and digital, said: "We're really pleased National Highways have given us this money to explore the possibilities.

"Willow Man has been a prominent feature for Somerset and it is sad the sculpture is in such a state of disrepair.

"But we need to be clear that any potential project looking to repair, enhance or relocate Willow Man would be subject to another significant funding bid, or bids – it unfortunately is not a spending priority at this point.

"Somerset Council is not in a position to commit any funds to the project but we will be looking to explore all future funding options following the engagement and design work."

National Highways' route manager, Jonathan Hill, said: "At National Highways, our work goes beyond operating, maintaining and improving roads.

"We're providing initial funding to Somerset Council to support their aspirations to realise a project to restore the iconic structure alongside the M5 – a glowing example of how this funding can make life better for communities living and working near our roads.

"We hope that, by providing the funding to kick-start this project, the council will be able to explore third party funding opportunities to restore or replace this South West landmark."