A proposed piece of artwork inspired by the three aircraft which flew from a historic plain during both world wars has been shown to residents and councillors – but they have divided opinion.

The commemorative artwork will mark the history of Fairlop Waters Country Park, Forest Road, Barkingside, as an airfield.

Two versions of the proposed artwork were on display at Monday’s area committee meeting.

The Fairlop Heritage Group has worked with Vision Redbridge – which is in charge of the borough’s leisure services – on the commissioning and design process.

The three sections of the proposed artwork are inspired by a Spitfire MKV, an Avro 504E and a Sopwith Camel, which all flew from Fairlop.

Thoughts were sought on the design and the wording of the inscription on the base of the sculpture, to be erected close to the clubhouse in Fairlop Waters.

But councillors expressed reservations with the design, with Conservative Cllr Ashley Kissin suggesting a replica Spitfire should instead act as a commemoration of the land’s war history.

Party colleague Cllr Ruth Clark said: “I would have liked to have been included a bit earlier on in this project, not at this stage. I have voiced that to officers.”