The statue of Nye Bevan, a prominent landmark in Cardiff located at the end of Queen Street, may be relocated due to persistent issues with seagulls. Conservative councillor Sean Driscoll has proposed moving the statue to outside the main railway station, suggesting it would be a more befitting location for the iconic figure.
Proposal to Relocate the Statue
Councillor Driscoll, representing Llandaff, acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue but emphasized the benefits of the new location. He stated, "I realise this will be a sensitive issue for a lot of people and I say this with sincerity with no disrespect intended. But my view is that with the redevelopment of Central Square this gateway to the capital city of Wales would be a more befitting location to site this important statue and tribute of such an important iconic figure in the history of Wales and the United Kingdom."
The statue, which honors Aneurin Bevan—the Labour MP for Ebbw Vale from 1929 to 1960 and architect of the National Health Service—was installed in its current location in 1987. It has long served as a rally point for protests and a recognizable feature of the city center.
Seagull Problem and Spikes
To deter seagulls from perching on the statue, spikes were added to its head. However, Driscoll argued that a new location is necessary to fully protect the monument. He noted, "I realise that statues do become a perching spot for birds and are difficult to control."
The councillor further explained that placing the statue near Cardiff Central station would make it the first and last thing visitors and commuters see, serving as a reminder of Bevan's contributions. "If Aneurin Bevan, the architect of the NHS, is the first and last thing visitors and commuters would see when they enter or leave the city from Cardiff Central station it would be a reminder of what this great man of the Labour Party and Tredegar did to protect the health of our nation," he said.
Council Response
Council leader Chris Weaver responded to Driscoll's query, stating, "I think it's vital that the statue of Aneurin Bevan is in the heart of Cardiff city centre as such an iconic figure. I hadn't thought previously about the potential for moving, I would take advice on that, but as long as he is prominent and visible in our city I think that's very important."
A Cardiff council spokesman clarified that there are no current plans to move the statue. He added, "Central Square is designed to ensure crowds can be managed safely during major events. The feasibility of this location, as well as the cost and logistics involved with any move, would therefore need to be carefully assessed."
