permission was granted for a statue of the famous citizen.

But the larger-than-life bronze replica will not be placed at the famed roundabout where Johnny greets the public each morning, after Planning Department officials raised fears over safety at the junction.

In October the feature -- which will embody the Island's most famous ambassador -- will be erected on a grassed area close to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and Crow Lane Bakery -- leaving the coveted roundabout spot for the real life Johnny.

It is hoped Johnny himself will do the unveiling at a ceremony during the last Harbour Night of the summer.

The Spirit of Bermuda Trust, which has organised the fund-raising for the commemoration, is still gathering money for the project which is expected to cost more than $70,000.

Spokesman Jim Butterfield said the statue is currently at the French home of sculptor Desmond Fountain, where he is putting the finishing touches to the nine-month project.

From there it will head to Britain to a foundry for completion, before shipment to Bermuda in September.

Mr. Butterfield said there were safety concerns over having the statue at the Crow Lane roundabout, particularly with sightseers wanting to take pictures of the structure.

In addition, planning permission was also granted for the Christ Church to officially open a day care nursery for children.

The go-ahead was given for the plan at its Middle Road, Devonshire, centre, for 60 children between the hours of 7.30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

TeleBermuda International Ltd. has been granted permission to erect a 16 metre satellite dish at Southside.