New public artwork showing the lifelike figure of a woman submerged in a river has been branded “offensive, creepy and disturbing” and should be removed, say critics.

It follows the installation of the controversial statue in the River Stour in Canterbury by a world-renowned underwater sculptor.

The work, called The Alluvia and inspired by Shakespeare’s Ophelia from Hamlet, was commissioned by the Canterbury Commemoration Society and created by award-winning artist Jason deCaires Taylor.

It was installed in the river beside the historic Westgate Towers on Friday and is said to bring a new contemporary twist to the city’s thriving art and cultural scene.

The project has the backing of the city council which has now come under fire, with calls for it to be removed.

Cabinet member for culture, Cllr Charlotte Cornell, said: “Combining contemporary art with heritage is at the forefront of our approach to public art and Alluvia is the perfect piece for this location.”

But it has sparked outrage on the council’s Facebook page where dozens of commentators are expressing their distaste of the water feature, made from recycled glass, and even demanding its removal.

“I find this sculpture absolutely appalling,” writes Craig Logman.

“It's not just offensive, it's downright disturbing. The imagery of a submerged figure, reminiscent of a drowning victim, is both morbid and utterly tone-deaf given the tragic drownings that occur along our coastlines.

“Frankly, it should be removed immediately.”

Samantha Bowen says: “I can't be the only person who finds this deeply offensive.

“She looks like a drowned woman. How did the council not see the link to women as victims of crime or the sad fact so many drown off the Kent coast as refugees? I'm stunned at the naivety of those who approved this.”

Ben Godden says: “Given that someone was found in the river a few years ago this is not really appropriate -.less so when there are many other services which are in desperate need of finance.

“There will be people who report this to the police and this will add an additional burden to them in dealing with the enquiries that come as a result. It’s totally unnecessary and in pretty poor taste.”

And Louise Elizabeth adds: “As a nurse who years ago treated a poor victim who drowned in this river, I am offended and saddened by this.

“I do think it’s deeply upsetting for people of all ages for various reasons. My 10-year-old daughter would find this terrifying.

“I do enjoy ‘controversial’ art but unfortunately I don’t agree with this at all. I feel that evoking this kind of response is inappropriate and irresponsible.”

But some write in support of the artwork.

“Well done Canterbury and the artist for creating this sculpture,” says Neil Carter.

“I look forward to seeing it in person. It’s certainly doing a fine job of provoking thought, discussion and opinion, which is indeed why art is such a part of the human spirit.”

“I think it’s marvelous and those who comment negatively don’t know about art,” adds Michela Gusso.

The new artwork replaces two previous, similar statues of women in the water that Jason DeCaires Taylor created and installed 15 years ago but had become damaged.

He had hoped to restore his original pieces after being told about their condition by the Canterbury Commemoration Society.

But when he found the poor state they were in, he offered to create a replacement instead for the same cost.

And the project, led by the society, was approved after two businessmen, Paul Abbott and Paul Roberts, stepped up to sponsor the work.

Stewart Ross who chairs the Canterbury Commemoration Society, admits members did not see the work before it was installed.

“The overwhelming response from locals, tourists and further afield has been very positive, “ he says.

“If you don’t like it, don’t look…..”

“Of course, as always with new art, there are some who don’t like it, just as there were those who disliked our statue of Chaucer in the High Street and Beethoven’s symphonies when they were first heard.

“In the city council’s defence, they did not commission or pay for the work. No taxpayers money was involved.

“Moreover, it replaces two similar figures, also illuminated, that had lain without objection in the river for 15 years. If you don’t like it, don’t look.”

Asked about the backlash, Cllr Cornell conceded that some people may find it disturbing but says that as a piece of art, it is meant to be thought-provoking.

“Alluvia is as much a metaphorical embodiment of the river, as she is of a woman,” she told KentOnline.

“As a piece, she is possibly doing so much. She may allude to Shakespeare’s Ophelia, she may nod to the 1554 John Hales drowning, she may also be a comment on poisoning of our waterways by modern development, sewage and farming. Or she could be a representation of the peace and tranquility of nature.

“She could be all of these things, or she could be none - that’s the beauty of art.

“The piece asks questions of the viewer, as all art should. Some people will be upset, some disturbed.

“Others will be inspired and find a kind of beautiful ethereal quality in the sculpture. It’s not up to me to tell people how to feel - come and see her and decide for yourself.”

The sculptor is formally gifting the work to the city at a ceremony on Sunday attended by town hall representatives and Canterbury Commemoration Society.