A landmark 50 metre long bus shelter in the shape of a whale’s jaw is to be removed because its upkeep is too expensive, local council Haarlemmermeer has said.

The shelter and artwork, which has been situated at the Spaarne hospital in Hoofddorp for 20 years, needs painting and other maintenance work and that is an expense the council is no longer willing to bear.

Demolishing it and replacing it with a normal shelter is the only option open, unless someone can think of another use, a local council spokesman told broadcaster NOS.

According to the NH Nieuws, one potential buyer has come forward who wants to put the whale’s jaw, which is made of polystyrene foam and polyester, in his back garden.

Locals are also being invited to come up with ideas to save the bus stop.