A new statue of William Shakespeare remains in its creator’s yard after a highways authority raised concerns that its proposed location in the middle of a roundabout could distract motorists and get tourists run over.
The statue, by sculptor James Butler, was due to be erected in Stratford on Avon, to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of the town’s most famous resident.
The roundabout without the Bard
But the businessman who commissioned the statue withdrew his application to the district council for planning permission after Warwickshire County Council raised concerns about its potential to cause road traffic accidents.
A Warwickshire spokesperson said: ‘The proposed site for the statue was found to be unsuitable on the grounds of highway safety. This is a busy roundabout with five arms - Bridge Street, Wood Street, High Street, Union Street and Henley Street - and there is the risk of vehicle collision due to motorists looking at the statue.
‘Additionally we also felt there was potential risk to pedestrians as they may step into the road to take photographs of the statue.’
Mr Shakespeare said: ‘Though this be madness, yet there is method in 't.’
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