Furious homeowners in a picturesque English town have been left outraged after a ‘distasteful’ underwater sculpture was confused for a drowned woman.

Those enjoying the views of the River Stour from Canterbury’s bridges may be taken aback by its latest art piece.

At first glance, pᴀssersby might be frightened when they see ‘Alluvia’ and could easily mistake it for being a ᴅᴇᴀᴅ body in the water.

Made from recycled glᴀss, LEDs and marine stainless steel, Alluvia’s lifelike figure is glow-in-the-dark and was inspired by Shakespeare’s Ophelia from Hamlet.

But locals said the statue in a flower dress is offensive, tone-deaf and ‘downright disturbing’ – and they want it gone.

Artist Jason deCaires Taylor, who grew up in Canterbury, first installed Alluvia in the river in 2008.

It consisted of two female forms cast in cement and glᴀss resin.

However, over the years the sculpture’s condition deteriorated due to wear and tear caused by the fast-flowing river.

So the Canterbury Commemoration Society (CCS) commissioned restoration works on the sculptures, but the original works were beyond repair.

Jason agreed to create a new piece of art following the same inspiration of Shakespeare’s Ophelia.

Jason described Alluvia as referring to the ‘alluvial deposits of sand left behind by the rise and fall of the river’s water levels…the figure’s posture responds to the river’s flow, reflecting both its ceaseless movement and the invisible barrier of water – like being trapped behind a window’.

He said: ‘As the river swells and recedes with the seasons, and as the light shifts, the sculpture transforms, first through the play of shadows and light, then gradually as reeds and algae form on and around it’.

He will formally gift it to the city at an event this Sunday to be attended by representatives of the city council and CCS.

Cabinet member for culture, Cllr Charlotte Cornell, said: ‘We are very happy to accept this amazing piece of artwork from Jason deCaires Taylor and cannot thank him enough for so generously giving over his time to create a new Alluvia for the city.