PLANS to build a sculpture made entirely out of fake coins used at Merseyside’s tunnel booths have been scrapped.

Merseytravel asked the Royal Mint for their approval to commission a special piece of art made out of counterfeit £1 coins.

However scheme has been shelved after the Royal Mint refused to give permission.

The idea was revealed in a report set to go before the tunnels, ferries and visitor economy committee on Thursday.

.

Councillor Steve Foulkes, who is part of the committee, had said he was “sceptical” about the prospect of such a piece of art.

He said: “I have great scepticism about public works of art and it’s a difficult subject. I would be concerned that anything made out of counterfeit coins may send the wrong message to people.

“But art is very much in the eye of the beholder and I will listen to what is said and the full details of the project before forming an opinion.”