IN the town renowned for making the world's most famous gates a pair erected at the entrance to two new Bromsgrove schools could have come straight out of a horror film.

The new gates at Meadows First and Parkside Middle schools off Santridge Lane and which reflect aspects of Bromsgrove’s past have attracted much comment since they were installed – some not very complimentary.

Dave Pardoe, the Independent district councillor for the area, said: “People have contacted me to express concern about the design bearing in mind the splendid Buckingham Palace gates were made in Bromsgrove. Some have even said they remind them of the gates to Dracula's castle.”

At a cost of about £15,000 they were commissioned as part of a community arts project supported by the Arts Council and Worcestershire County Council. The Arts Council contributed the lion’s share, but the schools, county council, and contractors all chipped in.

A local arttist-blacksmith was chosen to work with staff, pupils and parents from both schools on the design which took several months to complete A county council spokeswoman said they are unique and have been designed to create a ‘visual link between the contemporary and historical aspects of the site with particular reference to Bromsgrove's industrial heritage.’ To help them come up with ideas, pupils visited Avoncroft Museum to watch nails and chains being made and the Jinney Ring Craft Centre at Hanbury to watch glass blowing and pouring techniques.

The gates incorporate coloured glass inserts and roundels based on the results of a family competition for ideas.

Defending the project Pam Townsend, the head at Meadows, and John Graham from Parkside, in a joint statement said: “It was a great learning experience for the children who gained a lot from it.”