SWINDON'S giant orchid has been given the chance to bloom.

Planners last night backed a scheme to put up the 15 metre sculpture dubbed the Angel of the West at the junction of Cricklade Road and Thamesdown Drive.

The sculpture, which will be built at a cost of £94,000 by a consortium of developers involved in the nearby Priory Vale housing estate, met with a positive reaction when the plans went out to public consultation in September.

The design has three sides, to reflect the three approaches to the junction.

Coloured glass will be used to reflect the colour of the orchids.

The design has been chosen because the area was once home to green-winged orchids, and the flower is the symbol of the Priory Vale development.

The sculpture will come to life at night when internal lights will illuminate it from the inside.

Coun Douglas Stewart (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms) was the only member not to back the plans.

He said: "People coming along there in cars are going to point to it and say 'look at that' which will distract the driver.

"There could be accidents," he warned."

Coun Maurice Fanning (Lab, Gorse Hill and Pinehurst) joked that after the sculpture was finished, the council should look at decorating the Magic Roundabout with characters from the famous children's television series. Highways officials will ensure the lighting of the sculpture does not interfere with motorists.

The council will be responsible for maintaining it.

The project is being overseen by Artscape at Swindon Council.