The last of the 'B of the Bang's' 180 spikes on the 184 foot sculpture were removed following a series of problems with its construction, which saw some of the potentially dangerous spikes falling off.

 

 

Artist Thomas Heatherwick's work next to Manchester City's Eastlands stadium was named after a phrase used by Linford Christie, the 1992 Olympic 100 metres champion, to describe his speed out of the blocks.

 

It will now be stored until a decision is made on its future.

 

However, it is unlikely the work will ever be again exhibited in a public place.

 

It cost £1.42million, after initial projections of £750,000, and opened in 2005, two years over its projected completion date.

 

Another £300,000 was spent testing and maintaining it after the first spike fell off days after it opened.

 

Last year Manchester City Council settled out of court for £1.7million in damages for breach of contract and negligence after taking legal action against Heatherwick and contractors.

 

Withington MP John Leech, a Liberal Democrat, said: "I hope this will be the last we see of the 'B of the Bang.

 

"It's b'een a very expensive waste of public money.

 

"It's certainly been a topic of conversation for a lot of people, so in that sense it's been a successful piece of art."