Plans for a memorial sculpture in Caerphilly town centre to the father and son who wrote the Welsh National Anthem have been approved by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s planning committee.
The sculpture will be located near the Twyn Community Centre.
The monument will commemorate Evan James, who was born in 1809 in a cottage which stood near to where Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall now stands, and his son, James James, who was born in Bedwellty.
Evan, who later moved away to live at the Ancient Druid Inn near Argoed, wrote the lyrics to Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, while his son composed the tune.
A wooden monument commemorating the duo was previously located in Dafydd Williams Park, near Caerphilly Castle, but was removed in 2017 due to rot.
The monument is being funded by Caerphilly Town Council, in partnership with Caerphilly County Borough Council.
The statue, which will cost around £16k, has been designed by artist Ruben Eynon.
Cllr Mike Prew, Caerphilly Town mayor, said: “We’re delighted that this initiative by the town council has been given planning permission. It is right that the birthplace of Evan James, the lyricist of the Welsh National Anthem, is recognised and we are happy as a town council to provide the funding to make this happen.”
He added: “The council hopes the sculpture will provide to be an attraction for both local people and visitors to our wonderful town.”
Cllr Lisa Phipps, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet member for homes, places and tourism, said: “As a council, we want to develop and enhance Caerphilly as a tourist destination in its own right.
“Commemorating the nationally acclaimed achievements of a local family will build on the tourism aspirations for Caerphilly, and the Town Centre in particular.
“I look forward to seeing the memorial dedicated to what is considered as amongst the finest and passionate anthems of the world.”