Welsh government shelves plans for Iron Ring sculpture dubbed ‘monument to oppression’ – iNews

The Welsh Government has been forced to back down over plans for an Iron Ring sculpture that opponents have dubbed a monument to oppression.

More than 10,000 people signed a petition calling on the Welsh Assembly to scrap its proposals for the controversial artwork outside Flint Castle in Flintshire, north east Wales.

Announcing the 395,000 sculpture last Friday, the Welsh Government said it symbolises a giant rusted crown.

Flint Castle was where in 1399 Richard II surrendered the crown to Henry IV, an event that shaped the history of Britain and Europe.

But opponents of the sculpture point out that Iron Ring is the term used for the castles built by Edward I to assert his might over the uprising Welsh in the late 13th century.

Welsh Government cabinet member Ken Skates announced they will pause and review the plans, just days after describing the sculpture as the perfect way of recognising the importance of Flint Castle.

We have listened and recognise the strength of feeling around the proposed art installation at Flint Castle and feel it is only right that we now take a pause and review the plans for the sculpture, said Skates.

Working closely with local partners we will continue to work on proposals for developments at Flint, including reviewing new visitor facilities.

Plaid Cymru AM Llyr Gruffydd welcomed the climbdown, saying: This crass design for a sculpture to symbolise Wales oppression was inappropriate and insulting to the people of Wales.

It showed a serious lack of judgement by the Welsh Government, which failed to consult with local people about this 400,000 sculpture.

The Labour government has rightly been shamed into rethinking its design, however it has failed to acknowledge how disrespectful this plan was. The Cabinet Secretary for the Economy should apologise for its bad judgement.

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Welsh government shelves plans for Iron Ring sculpture dubbed 'monument to oppression' - iNews