Warning to drivers after A5 Dragon statue near-misses

DRIVERS flocking to see the magnificent 6ft dragon standing guard over the A5 have been warned not to slow down or stop in the road after several “near misses” were reported.

Police say they are “concerned at the impact upon road safety” after the Draig Dderw (oak dragon) was installed on private land in Bethesda last month.

Although the 6ft tall and 12ft wide wooden carving is located on private land, it can be seen from the stretch of road on the way to Bethesda from Tregarth.

North Wales Police tweeted: “We, like everyone else love the ‘Draig Dderw’ (oak dragon) recently erected in the Bethesda area, however we are concerned at the impact upon road safety as a result of the action of a number of motorists who slow down or in some cases ‘stop’ to view the dragon.

“There has already been one accident and numerous near misses on this section of road which really does require a driver’s full concentration. Please concentrate on the road ahead at all times. If you want to view it, then please find somewhere safe to park (not on the A5) and walk down on the pavement. Please drive carefully.”

Commissioned by GP Dr Alofs, the wooden statue was carved by Wrexham-based artist Simon O’Rourke from the remains of a fallen tree.

On his facebook page, Mr O’Rourke himself has previously urged drivers to be careful and mindful of traffic when viewing his creation.

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