Historic gravestone damaged at St Mary's Churchyard

A historic gravestone has been damaged at St Mary's Churchyard in Newtown.

The damage was discovered on 17 August at the churchyard, which contains a number of historic graves and memorials alongside the remains of the former St Mary's Church.

A photograph included in a report by Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council shows a substantial section of the stone lying on the ground next to the memorial.

The circumstances surrounding the damage are unclear. The council report records the incident but does not say whether the gravestone was damaged deliberately, accidentally or as a result of deterioration. 

It is also unclear from the report how old the affected gravestone is, who it commemorates, or whether repairs are planned.

The damage comes as the town council carries out other maintenance work at the historic churchyard.

Two new tree guards and replacement recycling bins have been installed, while the council's Operations Team has also cut ivy at its roots at the site.  

The incident will be highlighted in an Operations Team update going before the town council's Services Committee on Monday, 14 September.