They may live in the same street but their tastes in art could not be further apart.

On one side of the quiet Saltdean road is a modern iron sculpture inspired by the garden of Derek Jarman which has been created by craft designer Debbi Moffat and her partner.

On the other is a collection of pelicans, a mermaid, dragons and doves which have been sculpted over 20 years by housewife Jill Jerome.

Debbi believes her handiwork brightens up the street and says she receives compliments from passers-by.

But Jill has called the piece an eyesore and has politely suggested it should be taken down at the first opportunity.

Debbi, 39, who moved into the house in Bannings Vale in March, said: "When we moved here the pieces of iron were just lying around the garden and we couldn't get anybody to come and take them away without charging for it."

The idea to make a sculpture came after a visit last month to the Kent home of the late artist Derek Jarman whose garden is also filled with pieces of art.

Debbi's partner, Terry Lobert, 37, who works for BT, said: "The idea came to make some sort of minimalistic sculpture with the iron.

"We liked the idea of a beach garden and that's why it looks like Normandy beach.

"We have put down a piece of boat we found on the beach and put in some plants which we hope will grow bigger."

Across the road the sculpture has been greeted with raised eyebrows by Jill.

The mother of three said: "It looks like a scene from D-Day and is a right old eyesore.

"I like creating art which resembles art but I think the thing across the road should be taken down.

"I think my garden is much more pleasant with some nice pieces of art dotted around like a pair of doves on one of the walls."

Jill, 46, who has been making sculptures as a hobby for 20 years, said: "When I first moved in here nothing would grow in the garden because of all the sea winds so I decided to make the statues to try and brighten it up."