Beauty spot gates vanadlised

GATES at a popular beauty spot in St Clears have been ripped out and thrown into the river.

The gates along the town’s Riverside pathway were placed there by Carmarthenshire Council last autumn to stop the public getting access to the path due to erosion.

The path runs from the rear of the car park off Pentre Road, under the A40 to Lower St Clears and along the riverbank to St Mary Magdalene Church.

It is known as the Peillac Way, so called as St Clears is twinned with Peillac in Brittany, northern France.

Dyfed-powys Police is appealing for information regarding the vandalism attack on the path’s gates.

PC Nichola Hughes said: “Carmarthenshire Council have reported that sometime between Monday, April 19 and Tuesday April 27, damage has been caused to some gates that have been erected on the Riverside pathway in St Clears.

“The gates have been put up at two points on the pathway, to stop the public gaining access to this particular part of the path, due to erosion and the dangerous pathway, and obviously for the safety of the public. Railings have been removed and thrown into the river, and posts and fencing have been cut. There was also a similar incident back in October.”

Carmarthenshire Council’s head of transport, Stephen Pilliner said: “The path has been closed to protect the public as it has become unstable due to erosion near the river.

“It is disappointing to have to deal with issues of repeated vandalism which could have serious implications for public safety.

“The safety barriers erected have been thrown into the river previously and now vandals are using tools and equipment to remove the gates putting the public at huge risk of harm.

“I would urge everyone to stay away from this closed area for their own safety and report anything suspicious.”