A RED Lion Lane resident has strongly criticised the installation of a metal art structure in the River Wey branding it "a monstrosity".
John Holoway feels the sculpture has disrupted the fish which inhabit that area of river near the Tice's bridge.
He explained that the large school of grey-coloured chub fish have been a permanent fixture in the river:
"Ever since I can remember, atleast since 1959, local people have stood on the bridge to look at the fish."
Mr Holoway is concerned the chubs may never return to this part of the river because he feels their environment has been disrupted.
Describing the sculpture as a "giant porcupine" he also expressed safety concerns that if someone fell off the edge of the bridge they could be "skewered" by the rods.
Mr Holoway added that "debris and junk" has collected around the base of the rods and finds the sculpture "intrusive" and does not believe that rivers should be utilised in the name of art.
The exhibit, entitled "Watermark" was created by local artist Jos Hadfield and comprises a series of metal rods, which are two metres long and sit in the river bed.
The piece explores the interaction of the rods in the water, and how they affect the flow.
Following the sculpture's initial installation during the last bank holiday weekend at Waverley Abbey, "Watermark" was moved further up the river by the Farnham Maltings to coincide with the Farnham Festival.
Artist Jos Hadfield does not feel the sculpture is having a detrimental effect on the fish, and feels it is normal for fish to move upstream.
She had gone through all the appropriate channels to gain permission to install the work and was surprised by the complaint,
"The general reaction from local people has been very positive."