Vandals have caused £30,000 of damage to 26 “ornate light fittings” around Pontypool Park.

This week Councillor Sue Morgan, executive member for resources, is being asked to approve the spending using cash from the council’s general fund balance. A report she has been given says that 26 “ornate light fittings” have been “damaged beyond repair.” The replacement lights have to meet building consent requirements as the park is Grade II* heritage listed.

Officers haven’t been able to find the exact replacement but have sourced fittings that are made to order and nearly the same. The conservation officer has confirmed the light fitting is close enough in design to avoid needing listed building consent.

If Cllr Morgan doesn’t approve the £30,000, the work won’t be done until the next financial year due to “pressure on the reactive maintenance budget.”