Famous Cardiff statue could be moved because of poo issues

Outside the main railway station is a more ‘befitting location’ a councillor has said

10:45, 21 Jul 2026Updated 11:46, 21 Jul 2026

(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

The statue of Nye Bevan is one of Cardiff’s landmarks. Positioned at the end of Queen Street it has long been a landmark, and a rally point for protests.

But now, one councillor has said it should be moved, saying it needs to be protected from seagulls and put in a more “befitting” location.

The statue was modified to include spikes on his head to try keep the seagulls off but a new location altogether should be looked at, according to Conservative councillor Sean Driscoll. He suggests putting it outside the main railway station in the city, so it is somewhere people see when they arrive.

The Llandaff councillor said: “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. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here

“I realise that statues do become a perching spot for birds and are difficult to control.

Sean Driscoll, Conservative councillor for Llandaff(Image: WalesOnline)

“However 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.”

Nye Bevan was MP for Ebbw Vale between 1929 and 1960. He spearheaded the creation of the British National Health Service and is known for his wider contribution founding the British welfare state.

The statue was installed in its current location in 1987.

Cllr Driscoll asked council leader Chris Weaver about his idea. He replied: “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.”

The council leader said it was “vital” that the statue stay in the heart of the city(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

A Cardiff council spokesman said: “There are no plans to move the statue of Aneurin Bevan from its current location in the city centre.

“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.”