Antony Gormley's Iron Men statues have become an iconic part of the Merseyside coastline since they were first installed in 2005.
It's hard to imagine Merseyside without them but in 2006 the statues were close to being removed by Sefton Council. The Iron Men standing at six feet two inches and cast in Antony's image were only supposed to be a temporary installation having also been displayed in Germany, Norway, and Belgium.
When they came to Crosby, the cast-iron figures became the subject of controversy due to the statues being naked despite increased tourism in the area. In 2006 councillors refused to extend planning permission against its officers' recommendation after hearing that the statues posed a danger to people and wildlife.
READ MORE : Incredible pictures show Crosby's Iron Men removed from the beach for 'maintenance'
The Coastguard also raised complaints claiming the statues increased the risk of people wandering into soft sand and getting stuck as the tide came in. The decision sparked uproar among members of the local community and Another Place Ltd, the charity set up to raise the £2.2m needed the buy the work and keep it permanently on the sands at Crosby beach, announced it would appeal.
Debi Jones a Sefton councillor at the time stated the silent majority of local people wanted the beach to return to its original state and told a planning committee several people had to be rescued after being caught by the tide when walking out see the most distant figures.
The Council influenced by the public uproar and what was at the time a major tool in the economic regeneration of Liverpool took immediate action. In 2007 new plans were drawn up with 16 of the most contentious statues moved to other areas.
The plans also approved decreasing the affected area from 232 to 195 hectares and proposed strict monitoring of wildlife and visitor numbers. In a press release then leader of Sefton Council Graham Haywood said: "Despite some controversy, this internationally renowned artwork has aroused national and international public and media support.
"The Iron Men have placed Crosby and Sefton firmly in the spotlight and the knock-on benefits of this should be felt for years to come."
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