QUESTION marks remain over a plan to replace Royal Wootton Bassett’s collapsed poppy sculpture with a new one that promises to cost the people of the town nothing.

The original marble Forever poppy in Marlowe Way collapsed under its own 4.5-tonne weight in 2017.

Bassett man Tom Patterson launched a campaign to replace it with a bronze version, but must raise £290,000.

Meanwhile, Martin Lansdowne and the designer of the original sculpture, Mark Humphrey, want to recreate the original design while using different materials – and say it will be given to the town for free.

The pair put their proposal to Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council.

The sculpture is expected to stand around 8ft tall, 9.5ft wide, and 8ft deep.

The pair say they can built and install it within 18 months once the town council gives them the go-ahead.

But councillors had many questions around their financial plan, treatment of the material, case studies of using bronze and the engineer’s report.

They also wanted to seek legal advice about whether the land in question could be leased to the group.

Bassett mayor Nic Hughes said: “The original Forever poppy was provided to us and unfortunately, everyone around the table would agree, that what became of the poppy was not wanted.

“Everyone is aware that the town council has been working with the Forever poppy campaign for a number of years in regards to finding a replacement, and this campaign has come to the table a lot later.

“We need answers to the questions we have before we can make a decision as a council whether this is a viable option.”