🎨🔨 Heartbreaking News from Ogmore: Iconic Stones Vandalised! 🔨🎨
Residents in Bridgend are upset and angry as our beloved stepping stones near Ogmore Castle have been defaced. Names have been crudely carved into these treasured medieval stones, seemingly using machinery. These 41 stones, cherished by locals and visitors alike, offer a spectacular route across the Ewenny River, adjacent to the enchanting 12th-century Ogmore Castle.
Cadw, the organisation safeguarding Welsh heritage, expressed profound disappointment over the “deliberate and mindless damage” to this site of national significance. The names ‘Patrick’, ‘Lily’, and ‘Liana’ are now etched into three of these ancient stones, marring their historic beauty.
South Wales Police are treating this act as heritage crime and are on the hunt for clues. Cadw urges anyone with information about the names to come forward.
Local voices are being heard loud and clear! Erica Staple, a resident, voiced the community’s anger, stating it’s shocking that someone would damage such an iconic landmark in an area of outstanding beauty. Erica emphasised the irreversible nature of the damage: “It’s actually dug into the stones. We can’t just fix it.”
The incident is part of a worrying trend. Cadw notes an increase in criminal damage to historic sites, with this year potentially marking the highest number of such crimes reported. Heritage crime—including theft, vandalism, and illegal metal detecting—harms irreplaceable sites, affecting local communities and tourism.
Cadw appeals to us all: if you see anything suspicious at a heritage site, report it! These monuments carry our stories and attract visitors worldwide, so let’s protect them.
To report a heritage crime, call 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergencies, using ‘Operation Heritage Cymru’. Or, contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
Let’s stand together to safeguard our shared history. Any information, no matter how small, could be vital! 🏰✨ #ProtectOurPast #HeritageCrime #OgmoreCastle