A STATUE of Shakespeare, created in the North Cotswolds and cast at an Oxfordshire foundry has not yet found a home after highway managers claimed it could distract drivers in Stratford.

An application to erect the 8ft tribute, designed by James Butler at his studio in Radway, was withdrawn earlier this year after its proposed location was described as "unsuitable on grounds of highway safety".

Mr Butler, 84, has confirmed that his depiction of Shakespeare, cast at a foundry in Cropredy, near Banbury, remained in his yard in Warwickshire.

The sculptor said: "My client was due to set it up where he thought appropriate in Stratford-upon-Avon.

"I took it for granted that it would be set up for the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death but of course it wasn't, and it's such a pity that it wasn't there."

Warwickshire County Council objected to the planned site – on a traffic island in Bridge Street, Stratford – because the busy roundabout leads on to five different roads.

In a letter sent to planners in February the council said: "There is the potential for vehicle conflict due to motorists looking at the statue and not concentrating on the traffic, as well was the potential for pedestrian/vehicle conflicts, should pedestrians step out on to the carriageway and take photographs of the statue."

The planning application was withdrawn on February 24 by businessman Tony Bird, who commissioned the statue.

StratfordTown Council also objected to the "totally unsuitable" site but said it would welcome the gun metal bronze statue in a more appropriate and accessible setting.

Shakespeare was born in Stratford in 1564 and the town helped to lead celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death.