A PIECE of artwork on Bournemouth beach which sparked a complaint by the families of two children who lost their lives following an incident in the water earlier this year will stay in place.

On Friday, BCP Council issued an apology to the families over the positioning of the artwork called Portal made by Lucid Creates and in place for Arts by the Sea festival, calling it a “crass mistake”.

The council said work was underway to have the installation closed down after issuing an “unreserved apology”.

Joe Abbess, 17, from Southampton and Sunnah Khan, 12, from Buckinghamshire, died following an incident off Bournemouth beach on May 31.

Bournemouth Echo:

Joe’s mother Vanessa Abbess said: “As a family, we were shocked and astounded to see news reports of the disrespectful ‘Arts by the Sea’ installation at the Bournemouth beach yesterday.

“The Portal of Hope was badly located and thoughtless, as it frames the area of sea where our son Joe and Sunnah Khan got into difficulties.”

However, in an update late on Friday evening, BCP Council and Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival, said Portal will now stay in place until next week.

In a joint statement, BCP Council and Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival said: “We remain deeply sorry for the upset the positioning of this installation has caused and apologise once again for any further distress experienced by the families of Joe Abbess and Sunnah Khan.

“After speaking with the families, it has been agreed that the installation – called ‘PORTAL’ - will remain on Bournemouth Beach as planned until Wednesday 4th October. However, as a mark of respect, the audio and lighting of PORTAL was switched off on Friday night.”

The statement continued: “With respect to the artist, Lucid Creates, BCP Council feel it is important to clarify that a previous statement using the word ‘crass’ was in reference to the location of the artwork and not the installation itself and we apologise for any confusion.

“In the meantime, we hope that the many visitors who travel from across the region and beyond, can enjoy the many performances and activities planned at this weekend’s Arts by the Sea Festival.”

The 15-metre installation had originally been due to be in place until next Wednesday as part of the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival which runs until tomorrow, Sunday, October 1.

Portal is lined with shifting lights that create a “mesmerising and ethereal display” and was marking its world premiere in the town.