Protect church, listing is such a waste of time
TO list or not to list? That is the question when it comes to establishing the status of the Grade II-listed structures at Vaynor Church, Merthyr Tydfil. In my letter (Western Mail, August 6) I described my visit there as akin to hacking one’s way through a jungle to access the old previous church whose tower was fast disappearing in the undergrowth. Ironmaster Robert Thomson Crawshay’s grave resembled a hayfield despite its tenton stone.
My inquiry to Cadw resulted in a reply that there were no listed structures at Vaynor Church, and when challenged admitted they had made a mistake and that the tower and grave were in fact listed and under the jurisdiction of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. I duly contacted the council, only to be told that the site was in their area, but as far as listing responsibility they virtually said “not us, Guv, get in touch with the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, it’s their pigeon”. This I did, the reply admitting that Vaynor Church was in the National Park and listed but that they too bore no responsibility and stated I should contact Brecon and Swansea Church Diocese. Once more I took up the trail.
Following my contact with the Archbishop of Wales, visits are to be made to ascertain the situation but it seems that Church finances are restricted. This exercise leads one to ask what is the point of listing if tax-funded organisations such as Cadw are unable to enforce statutory obligations?
If owners of listed buildings can get out of their obligations by pleading poverty what value is the scheme?
Vaynor Church could be an icon in Merthyr Tydfil regeneration.
It is situated in an idyllic valley next to Pontsarn Viaduct, Norman Morlais Castle and the ancient battlefield of Maesyfaenor.
Prospective visitors should not be deterred by having to purchase a machete or chainsaw.
Lyndon Harris Llandeilo