County Coun Chris Cheetham said moves to take possession of Antony Gormley's world-famous Another Place installation had sparked a debate about attracting an iconic piece of artwork to Lancashire.

Sefton Council, which initially refused an extension of planning permission, said the installation will remain at its current location indefinitely on Crosby beach in Merseyside while the planning inspectorate examined the case.

Coun Cheetham, cabinet member for adult and community services, said: "I am not hopeful we will get the installation. It would have looked really good in Morecambe Bay.

"I think if it starts a debate about having interesting public art that people listen to, then it is a worthwhile debate."

Lancashire County Council said they would chase government funding to move the life-size statues after an extension of planning planning for the statues to remain on Crosby beach was refused by Sefton Council.

The move prompted a fierce campaign to keep the statues in Merseyside.

It also sparked an outlandish plan to create an alternative installation in Morecambe featuring 100 Eric Morecambe statues.

Coun Ron Sands, cabinet member for arts and events, leisure, museums and tourism, said: "I have now come down on the side of not placing an installation on the beach.

"Let us leave the beach to natural forces."