Saturday, April 13, 2013, at 2 pm, is destined to be an historic day for Neyland. The bronze statue of Isambard Kingdom Brunel is due to be unveiled in the Hotel Gardens where its plinth has been conspicuously empty since the theft of the original statue in August 2010.

The Brunel statue was the only one of its kind in Wales and was the last work of Robert Thomas, of Barry, Wales' greatest sculptor. Sadly, Robert Thomas died six weeks before the statue was officially unveiled by HRH The Prince of Wales on July 23, 1999. Using the original mould, the statue has been recast and will be an exact replica of the original. A comprehensive suite of security measures, including covert CCTV, will protect this iconic piece of public art.

Neyland's Mayor, Clr. Maureen Molyneux, who was Mayoress at the time of the original unveiling, will perform the ceremony and expressed her delight at the return of the statue which has been possible by insurance monies obtained by the owners, Neyland Town Council.

"I would like to invite everyone to this very special event which will be a celebratory ceremony to which all are welcome."

The Deputy Mayor, Clr. Simon Hancock, a member of the original Brunel memorial committee said: "It is a dream come true to see the return of the Brunel statue standing in his rightful place and a sign of restitution to the community from which he was taken."