Gwent Square may become a fan zone with a large screen. Statues could be removed for the screen above Boswell’s cafe.
The plan involves removing local statues. They depict a shepherd and a Welsh woman. People call them Dai and Myfanwy. They sat by the Congress Theatre’s clock.
Smart Outdoor Limited wants to put up the screen. It would sit above Boswell’s cafe. The screen would measure 7.2 by 4.5 meters. The screen could show ads and support events.
They mentioned using Gwent Square as a fan zone. Sound would only play during store hours. Locals want the statues to stay put.
Some recall when the clock worked. Dai and Myfanwy used to even rotate! One resident misses other removed features.
A bandstand once stood outside the theater. She feels Cwmbran is losing its identity. Another person remembers the statues turning. They faced the wall when it rained.
They turned outward when sunny. A cafe customer sees it as a loss of character. It’s taking away from the building’s traditional feel. He’d rather watch games at a pub.
Another resident wants the landmarks fixed. She remembers the clock chiming and figures turning. She prefers restoration to a TV screen. Others view them as town history.
The Boswell’s manager sees benefits. It might keep people in Cwmbran during rugby games. Trade drops when Wales plays, she noted. She likes the idea of modernization.
The application says the screen allows charity adverts. It claims the screen is greener than printed ads. It could show local info too.