Sir Anthony Gormley statue in the Avon River in Christchurch getting cleaned 3 times a week

The city council is cleaning weeds caught in the Sir Anthony Gormley statue in the Avon River up to three times a week. Photo / Star.Kiwi

The city council is cleaning weeds caught in the Sir Anthony Gormley statue in the Avon River up to three times a week.

The sculpture called STAY has been cleaned 53 times since it was installed in September 2015.

The statue, including its twin at the Christchurch Arts Centre, caused controversy due due to their cost - some $800,000.

But with transport and legal fees, plus installation cost it took the cost up to about $1 million.

Acting head of parks Brent Smith said the artwork is checked and cleared twice a week during summer and winter.

For autumn and spring that's upped to three times a week.

He also said it's checked and cleared reactively such as when there has been a bad storm.

Each visit costs the city council $33.81 and so far there have been 53 cleaning trips made to the Avon statue - totalling $1791.

While this information is not actively gathered, Mr Smith said, the city council is also aware of a roadcone and vest having to be removed.