Row over Llanberis sword sculpture location
- Published
A 20-foot sword sculpture has been erected in Gwynedd as part of Wales' Year of Legends tourism campaign.
But some are unhappy with its location next to a car park in Llanberis as they feel it blights the view.
The sculpture was officially unveiled on Tuesday, but its name - which will be carved on the sword - has yet to be revealed.
It was created to celebrate Gwynedd's princes and their contribution to Welsh heritage in the area.
Llanberis has many connections with princes such as Llywelyn the Great, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd and Owain Glyndwr.
Part of the £14,000 cost has come from the Welsh Government and Gwynedd council is responsible for it.
The local authority said it was "given advice" by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales on the type of sword the Gwynedd princes and their followers would have used, "which has been the inspiration" for blacksmith Gerallt Evans.
Overlooked by Dolbadarn Castle and Llanberis lake, it has already attracted many visitors since it was erected last week.
Stephen Edwards, from community tourism body Hwb Eryri, said the sword was a "brilliant idea".
"It brings a different market, hopefully brings different people to Llanberis," he said.
"Not everybody wants to go up a mountain. Walking round the lake, people want a different side of it.
"This sword will bring the history, the culture of Wales, of Llanberis and tell people why the castle is there and what's the reason for the sword.
"At the moment, there's no literature there, nor an interpretation panel at all but, hopefully, in the future there will be, and [will] give the correct message and sell Llanberis as an area in a different way than just Snowdon."
Community councillor Gwilym Evans said: "There's been a very mixed reaction amongst the community council, some for it and some against it.
"The greatest pity is where they've put it. It's a shame they didn't put it nearer Dolbadarn Castle.
"Hopefully, it'll attract people into the village as it's a new attraction, but I'm not sure if the location is suitable."