the Panopticons project is part of an initiative to create a regional woodland park across east lancashire. The park will connect all the major towns and villages, making the most of the surrounding moorland and countryside, and is part of a strategy to develop “city style living in a rural context.”

The Panopticons - “a structure, space or device commanding a comprehensive or panoramic view” - are meant to act as gateway sculptures or local landmarks, with one being planned for each of the six districts, but so far only four have met with the residents approval.

Originally promoted as a significant architectural project, it has drawn some criticism, but what we really have so far are some fairly low key but interesting artworks dotted around the countryside, nothing worth getting worked up about at all If these were buildings, as we said before, then they would be follies, serving no actual purpose. On the other hand how well do they stand up as art?

You guessed it, we went to have a look. Site visits will be recorded as and when we get round to them.