A CAMPAIGN is being set up to restore an historic lych gate in Crickhowell.

Several local organisations are pledging to raise funds to restore the lych gate, which is situated in Church Lane between St Edmund’s Churchyard and the Crickhowell Town Council burial ground.

The lych gate was damaged about 10 years ago when the structure was hit by a high-sided commercial vehicle, causing extensive damage to the roof and supporting masonry. It has remained in that condition while various organisations have failed to establish the actual ownership and therefore the responsibility for its repair and restoration.

Over the years since the original damage, it has continued to deteriorate and there is real concern amongst residents that it may be lost to the community.

The Lych Gate, which straddles a public foot path connecting Church Lane to New Road, was erected by Boscawen Somerset, rector of Crickhowell and cousin to Henry A.W.F. Somerset, 9th Duke of Beaufort, in 1886, and has served the community for over 130 years.

The Crickhowell and District Civic Society has now taken the lead role in pulling together interested parties. Other groups who have said they will get involved are Crickhowell History Society, The Crickhowell and District Archive Centre. Together tthe Friends of the Church.

Together the groups have formed the Lych-gate Community Partnership.

David Williams, a spokesperson for the newly-formed partnership, said: “Our objective is to raise funds to start the renovation and restoration project early in the spring of 2018. We are pleased to announce a significant grant has already been awarded to the project by The Percy Davies Institution, a charitable trust based in Crickhowell, along with smaller amounts from interested local bodies.

“Further grant funding from regional and national sources is currently pending, with very positive early indications and we’re optimistic that additional funds will be forthcoming.

“We will also be soliciting donations from the public at large, and anyone wishing to make a donation can do so at HJ & D Webb & Sons store in Crickhowell, or via cheque made payable to the Crickhowell and District Civic Society and dropped off at Webbs or mailed to The Crickhowell and District Civic Society, C/O CRIC, Beaufort Street, Crickhowell NP8 1BN.”