A bear statue which was facing eviction after being branded a distraction to drivers has been given a reprieve.
The 10ft statue was blamed for a crash in which a woman was said to have lost control of her car after mistaking the wooden bear for a real life grizzly.
Welsh Government highways chiefs had ordered its removal from beside the A483 in Llanwrtyd Wells, prompting protests from residents, but have now agreed it can remain in a new location.
A Welsh Government spokeswoman said: "Happily, we are the bearer of good news.
"We have reached an agreement with the owner of the bear and associated items on the grass verge that will see them rehomed to an area of land where they are still visible but do not present a hazard to passing motorists.
"Our agents were satisfied with the decision, and offered to assist the owner by moving the bear to its new position."
Workmen chopped the bear down at its base on Tuesday morning, June 26, and it’s thought it was due to be re-sited later that day. Last week the Welsh Government warned if its owners had not voluntarily removed the bear by Tuesday, June 19 its officials would seize the statue and place it in storage.
Llanwrtyd mayor Cllr Peter James complained the decision had been taken without any consultation with the town or local council and said it had formed part of the town’s attraction to tourists.
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