Plans for a controversial sculpture at a Welsh castle have been put on hold after more than 9,000 people signed a petition opposing it . <\/p>\n
Opponents claimed that the Iron Ring sculpture at Flint Castle celebrates the subjugation and oppression of the Welsh people. <\/p>\n
Welsh Government cabinet member Ken Skates announced that they will \"pause and review\" the plans. <\/p>\n
The U-turn comes days after Mr Skates described the sculpture as the \"perfect way\" of marking the significance of Flint Castle . <\/p>\n
Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, said on Wednesday: 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. <\/p>\n
Working closely with local partners we will continue to work on proposals for developments at Flint, including reviewing new visitor facilities. <\/p>\n
Announcing it, the Welsh Government said it symbolises a giant rusted crown. <\/p>\n
But the Iron Ring is the term for the fearsome castles built by Edward I in an enormous military and building effort to assert dominance over the uprising Welsh. <\/p>\n
They include Harlech, Conwy, Beaumaris and Caernarfon. Flint was one of the first castles to be built in Wales by Edward I - construction began in 1277. <\/p>\n
Edward led an army into Wales in 1277, and in 1284 the Statute of Wales was issued, in which Edward stated that Wales and its people were wholly and entirely transferred to our proper dominion. <\/p>\n
Plans for the sculpture - which will cost 395,000 - were unveiled on Friday. According to the Welsh Government, it could be seven metres high and 30 metres wide. <\/p>\n
Plaid Cymru has welcomed the rethink. <\/p>\n
Plaid Cymru AM Llyr Gruffydd said: This crass design for a sculpture to symbolise Wales oppression was inappropriate and insulting to the people of Wales. <\/p>\n
\"It showed a serious lack of judgement by the Welsh Government, which failed to consult with local people about this 400,000 sculpture. <\/p>\n
\"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. <\/p>\n
He should heed the words of Plaid Cymru MPs who wrote to him stating that nations with a robust grasp of their history erect monuments to their peoples liberty, not conquest. <\/p>\n
I hope to see the Welsh Government announce a new design soon for an installation at Flint Castle that both recognises and respects our past. I am sure the people of Flint and the whole of Wales would be happy to support that. <\/p>\n
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