COUNCIL chiefs have urged critics of its new Beatles tribute to lighten up, saying "history is not just about kings and boats".
Earlier this week copper moulds of the Fab Four's backsides were unveiled on the Hoe, allowing visitors to recreate a famous image from 1967.
Some residents have slammed the £19,000 project as a waste of money – but the council says it will bring a bit of fun to the city.
"Public art always has its naysayers, but how dull would cities be without it?" a spokeswoman said
"This is the sort of project that gets people talking, that injects a bit of fun and light-heartedness."
Most of the money went towards commissioning local artists Thrussell and Thrussell to design and create the moulds.
"Even before this week's launch our tribute had generated great coverage for the city, being picked up on websites and Twitter accounts across the globe, which is good for Plymouth's profile," the spokeswoman added.
"The project has been funded by the council and we will be doing more events over the coming months to mark the Beatles here.
"History is not just about kings and boats, nor is art just about pictures that hang on walls – it is about making celebrating moments in time and making a city interesting and a great place to live.
"There has already been huge interest in this, in our city and we are confident it will be a hit."
Dozens of people have commented on The Herald's Facebook page and on plymouthherald.co.uk since the moulds were unveiled.
John Dunstan asked whether the council has "nothing more important to spend taxpayers' money on", while Peter Wilkes argued the cash would have been better spent helping the homeless.
But Ian Park said: "I think its a brilliant idea, hundreds will use it", and Shaun Headlam added; "Good idea, don't hate it because it's different."
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