ORGANISERS of a project that celebrates contemporary art have admitted there is a problem with one of the headlining exhibitions.

The Tatton Park Biennial 2010 started on May 8 with the installation of artist Steve Messam’s giant lilies on Tatton Mere.

Scores of floating lily pads, up to five metres in diameter, weave down the length of the Mere, creating a striking red streak of colour over 1.5 kilometres of water.

But the installation has been questioned by members of the public, with the Guardian receiving five letters querying if there is a problem with it.

A Guardian reader, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “All those lilies should be anchored together in the corner where they launch the boats from – instead they are floating all over the place.

“I think it is a shameful waste of money. If I was told correctly, there were 30 lilies and a grant of £60,000 – that is £2,000 per lily.”

Another reader added: “They were supposed to have anchors attached but they have been floating all over the mere.”

Tatton Park said the lilies – that are large and bold enough to be seen from aircraft flying over the parkland from nearby Manchester Airport – will be in place during the five month run of the contemporary art event in rural Cheshire East.

In April, artist Steve Messam, said: “My work encourages people to take pictures and use the work to create more interesting images of the landscape.

“I hope people will spend time with the piece – looking at it from vantage points all round the lake.”

Brendan Flanagan, Tatton Park and Visitor Economy manager said the park was aware of problems with the artwork.

“Lily was commissioned for Tatton Park Biennial by the curators, Parabola,” he said.

“We are aware that there are technical difficulties with the artwork which the artist and curators are currently working hard to resolve.

“This is just one unfortunate hitch in an otherwise fabulous Biennial, which has brought more than 20 artists and writers together to create work for Tatton Park.

“All other artworks have been successfully installed and the Biennial as a whole has been very well received.”

l What do you think about the lilies in the mere? Tell us by dropping a note in Booths letter box or email chief reporter james.

wilson@guardiangrp.co.uk.