Drivers passing the Loughor bridge through to Llanelli have often speculated what on earth they have just driven past.
The Swirl Cone on the roundabout near Bynea has often turned heads - and left plenty of others scratching theirs.
Nicknames for the monument included the Cheese Grater, the Witch's Hat and the Wigwam.
But this month the iconic sculpture on the A484 was removed after being deemed unsafe.
The artwork, located on the Bynea roundabout at the Western end of the Loughor Bridge, was constructed in 2009 by artist Colin Rose.
The feature marks visitors’ entrance to Carmarthenshire County and is said to represent Llanelli’s rich ties with the steel industry.
When first unveiled it was berated by many - who claimed the structure could be dangerous.
But despite initial misgivings, the feature has been commended for representing an important part of Llanelli's heritage - along with for its colourful light display at night.
Llanelli has changed a lot:
However, this year, following a collision with a vehicle which snapped some of the sculpture’s wires, the piece was examined by council workers.
And the council's head of transport, Stephen Pillner, said the Swirl Cone had to removed after its central pole had buckled.
Discussions are underway about a feasibility study to see whether the sculpture can be repaired.
However, its future is uncertain as there have been no updates about whether it will be restored.
One local resident, 28-year-old Sarah Owens from Llwynhendy, said: "I was disappointed that they removed the sculpture from the roundabout.
"We pass the bridge almost every day and it wouldn't be the same without it. It’s been a part of Llanelli for such a long time but hopefully they’re just taking it away to repair.
