In last week’s paper Maitland Mercury journalist Emma Swain wrote about the Paterson boilermaker who has displayed his wares on a friend’s property that adjoins Tucker Park.

But as his collection grows, so have the views of those living and visiting the village, with some choosing to air their views in the popular Paterson ‘Psst’ Newsletter.

The controversy began when a letter published in the newsletter, from the anonymous Pato Crew, described Mr Cummins’ work as “a marriage of waste and inappropriate thought”.

What followed was both support and criticism for the budding artist.

But going by the Chronicle’s Facebook page, most people think they are great.

By Monday morning there were 72 likes and 45 comments – the majority being in favour of the sculptures.

“I think they are fantastic! I love driving past and seeing what new layout Bill has come up with” Coordinator DINS.

“love them!!!!! and we've got a couple out the front of Buchanan Turf Supplies on flat rd (the new bypass between bolwarra & east maitland. Check out the rocket at night, it all lights up,” Jillian Berry.

“I love them but there are now too many in one place. Share the love Bill, spread them around!” Helen Graham.

“has the impact of great public art "must have fallen off a bloody big christmas tree", you want to touch them!” Dan McAloon.

“Whenever I go past the sculptures I'm surprised by them, they're fun, playful and inviting.” Sally Corbett

“Love them, something to break up the drive to maitland. Love watching them change.” Cindy Fisher.

“Somehow they seem to match with the landscape.” Janette Van de Sheur

“Well they at least resemble stars and balls not like some of the stuff some people call art when all it looks like is a heap of junk welded together. These look great.” Lorraine Hampton

“They certainly are different. Never seen any like that before. I think they would have to be better than those modern sculptures you see in some towns down here, or city ones.” Karen Wilson

“I think they are great better than falling down fences and broken down cars in the front yard.” Sue Jordan

“I love driving past and seeing if he has any new additions. Does he make them, I'd buy some?” Janelle Manning

However Jo Hall didn’t like them: Mmmm, i wasn't too fussed on them. I think the setting for them isn't great. If they were scattered throughout a park or something, but they look like they were just plonked there for people to gawk at on their way past. It doesn't invite you to walk around and look at them closely.