Plans for iron ring sculpture at Flint Castle slammed as 'insensitive'

Plans to create an iron ring sculpture at Flint Castle have been described as "ignorant and insensitive".

The £395k design, which symbolises a giant rusted crown, is said to represent the relationship between the medieval monarchies of Europe and the castles they built.

But critics, including a number of Plaid Cymru AMs and MPs, say it symbolises the oppression of Welsh people - and a petition to stop the plans from going ahead has received nearly 7,000 signatures.

Flint Castle was the first in a series of castles to be built during King Edward I's campaign to conquer Wales.

Completed in 1284, the King moved on to construct the north Wales castles of Beaumaris, Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech, which today form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Speaking today, Dai Lloyd AM said the plan "celebrates the conquering of Wales by an English King".

Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service, says the plans are about regenerating the area, improving visitor experience and boosting the local economy.

"We recognise that art divides opinions, encourages debate, and can be interpreted in many ways", said a spokesperson.