LIVERPOOL’S planning committee deferred again a decision on what has become a controversial sculpture intended for the city centre.

The council wants to erect two steel statues, called The Ribbons Of Life, at either end of Church Street, to mark its expensive refurbishment.

But Liverpool One developer Grosvenor had dubbed one of the sculptures, earmarked for land outside Debenhams, at Lord Street’s junction with North John Street, as “visual clutter” and not of a high standard.

Last month, a decision on the £300,000 project was deferred for more consultation with Grosvenor.

Yesterday, planning chairman Dave Irving said officials had failed to carry out that request, and ordered them to speak to Grosvenor.

“They have spent a lot of money in this city and it’s only right that we consult them,” said Cllr Irving.

Liverpool council defended The Ribbons Of Life, saying they carefully chose their planned locations so the sculptures would not get in the way of shoppers or vehicles.

A council report said the artwork “represents the cultural, economic and social strands of Liverpool”.