A section of boardwalk which forms part of the Wales Coastal Path has had to temporarily close at Rest Bay in Porthcawl after being set alight and destroyed by vandals.
South Wales Fire and Rescue were called to Rest Bay shortly before dawn on Saturday 2 November to extinguish the blaze, which they later confirmed had been started deliberately.
Around 60 metres of boardwalk located close to Ffynnon-Wen Rocks was destroyed in the attack. Debris is being removed and the site is being made safe so that remedial works can take place, and council officers are currently looking at options and costs for the repairs.
The boardwalk was originally installed in phases between 2010 – 2012 at an overall cost of £300,000. Designed to make it easier for people including wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs and those with limited mobility to visit the coast, it incorporates a viewing platform and easily accessible gates.
Manufactured using durable recycled plastic capable of standing up to rugged maritime weather conditions, the boardwalk covers around a kilometre of coastline and forms an integral part of the Wales Coastal Path network.
Condemning the attack, Councillor Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said: “The Rest Bay boardwalk has been a huge success with visitors and residents alike, and continues to be well-used by people making the most of our stunning coastline.
“I am absolutely disgusted by the sheer mindless vandalism which has forced us to temporarily close the damaged section of the path, and to look at alternative options for how we can maintain access while carrying out expensive repairs to replace this much-loved facility.”
Council Leader John Spanswick added: “It is bitterly disappointing to see such damage being caused to such an important and well-used local route.
“Whoever is responsible for this mindless attack has hit local taxpayers in the pocket at a time when the council is being forced to deal with huge cuts in funding and reductions in services.
“The council remains committed towards the regeneration of Porthcawl, and both the boardwalk and the natural beauty of Rest Bay continue to play an important role in what we are trying to achieve.
“I hope that the culprits responsible for this cowardly vandalism are apprehended very soon, and are made fully accountable for their actions.”
