THESE are the three striking new pieces of artwork polarising the opinion of residents in Pill.

Part of the Pill Regeneration Project, which has seen around £6 million spent to transform the area in recent years, the third and final sculpture - on the corner of Commercial Road and George Street - was finished just weeks ago.

Named the Six Pillars of Wisdom, by Andrew Small, it is a mixture of digital and industrial art, as the Argus reported when it was completed.

But Ann Barton, 71, who has worked in Pill for 35 years, said it wasn't what she was expecting.

"For the money they have spent, they should hang their heads on shame," she said. "When you see what’s going on Pill, they should have put the money to better use.

“I like art, but this is a waste of public money.

"Why would you have art like this in Pill? Something more like the mosaic they have in Baneswell would have been more appropriate.”

The initiative was led by Newport City Council with financial backing from the Welsh Government’s European Regional Development Fund

Sally Wallis, 57, who lives in Courtybella Gardens, said she loves the work.

"I like it a lot. It's different and eye-catching," she said. "I also love the patterns painted on the walls.

"I don't know what brief was given to the artist or what it represents, but for me it is a testament to the inextinguishable spirit of the people of Pill.

"It enhances the area greatly."

Mrs Wallis said she also likes 'With Passing Ships', in Old Town Dock, near Blaina Wharf, by Newport artists Stephanie Roberts and Nick Jones.

Three four-metre high sails reflect Pill from its origins, incorporating stories, photographs and facts about Pill.

Another piece, by Martin Heron, can be found on Commercial Road, at the end of Frederick Street.

Made of multi-colour resin, it includes benches and a sculptural tree.

Pill councillor Omar Ali said that he liked the one at the on the corner of Commercial Road and George Street the most.

"Overall, the project has been very positive," he said.

"The artwork was part of a pot of money which was earmarked for this project especially and it is trying to open up Commercial Road into the city.

“It aims to bring more business into the area and I think that, overall, it’s working and it’s beginning to take shape.

“It makes the area better looking, more inviting and more open.”

A Newport council spokeswoman said: “The programme has successfully achieved its objective to deliver regeneration in Pill through environmental improvements, a business grants scheme and the creation of a community resource centre.

“Three new pieces of art work, commissioned as part of the Pill Regeneration Project, which was externally funded, have made their mark and will leave a lasting positive legacy on the area.”