Long-suffering drivers on the Robin Hood roundabout will need all their willpower to keep their eyes on the road instead of gazing in wonder when Newbury Town Trail installs the jaw-dropping 16ft steel sculpture, called Couple In Conversation.

Newbury.net has already obtained a sneak preview of the six-tonne monument, which is on standby at Boundary Metal in Thatcham to be transported to its final place. But we can reveal that the original plan to polish up the steel has been scrapped over safety fears that the glare may dazzle drivers at night. However, it’s believed that nighttime lighting will reverse the light/dark effect of the couple.

The statue is part of the Newbury Town Trail, complimenting the Ebb & Flow bowl on Lock Island. It was originally to be placed on the St Johns Roundabout, but would have damaged underground cables and pipes. Next stop was the A339/Monks Lane roundabout, but some sponsors were not happy with the out-of-town location. So the Robin Hood was then chosen.

Meanwhile, West Berkshire Council is planning to surround the new sculpture with massive road signs to address poor lane discipline from the 75000 vehicles a day that use the roundabout.

As the town’s favourite website, we’ll bring you more as it happens.