The Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, Ken Skates, has announced that plans for an ‘Iron Ring’ sculpture at Flint Castle have been put on hold.

It was announced today that he would “pause and review the plans for the sculpture”.

Ken Skates said: “We have listened and recognise the strength of feeling around the proposed art installation at Flint Castle.

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

Almost 10,000 people have signed a petition calling for the sculpture to be scrapped.

The planned sculpture, which would have cost almost £400,000, was strongly criticised by campaigners who felt that it was a monument to Edward I’s ‘iron ring’ of castles.

Writing for Nation.Cymru, the petition’s creator, Izzy Evans, said: “Can you imagine any other nation celebrating its own conquest? Its own government glorying in its subjugation?”

Four Plaid Cymru MPs – Liz Saville Roberts, of Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Ben Lake, Ceredigion, Hywel Williams, Arfon and Jonathan Edwards, Carmarthen East and Dinefwr – had asked for the proposal to be abolished.

Cadw had originally defended the sculpture, arguing that “art divides opinions, encourages debate and can be interpreted in many ways and that combining history, art and place can often lead to powerful emotions and passions”.