A GROUP of 'flying saucer' sculptures outside The Malls in Basingstoke have been removed due to repeated vandalism.

The art pieces, also called 'alien spaceships' by residents, were installed in 2011 as part of a multi-million-pound refurbishment to the shopping centre, but were removed on Wednesday, April 10.

Residents have reacted to the news, with one calling it the 'end of an era'. Another said their daughters would be 'devastated'.

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Basingstoke Gazette: The 'flying saucers' outside The Malls

"Why have they gone, they were loved by so many people younger people and adults as well. Fingers crossed something good is going to replace it as all the children are going to be sad," a resident added.

Another said it was 'good riddance' as it 'was a mess and always being vandalised'.

A spokesperson for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council told the Gazette: "A piece of art, which was originally installed as part of the refurbishment of The Malls Shopping Centre in 2011, has been removed from the entrance to the shopping centre.

"Disappointingly, this bespoke piece of art has been vandalised a number of times and is becoming increasingly difficult and costly to repair and as a result the decision was taken in partnership with the management team at The Malls to remove it.

"Antisocial behaviour of any form is unacceptable and we would encourage residents to report any incidents by calling 101 or at hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour."