Bid to beat the raiders at Parc Howard
County engineers are working with police and a new science to beat lead thieves attacking a Llanelli attraction.
Parc Howard mansion house has been the subject of 12 roof lead thefts over five years and resultant weather damage has threatened the fabric and museum contents of the much loved building.
As part of a £185,000 makeover new lead is being especially treated in a new scientific process which means it can be detected at a scrap yard if illegally removed and sold on.
Carmarthenshire council have decided against installing Tetra cameras as the lead detection is seen as a better option.
A total of £130,000 has been spent on the mansion improving access to the mansion house and museum including an external ramp and a lift internally.
An additional £55,000 is being invested in new windows and the lead.
The mansion and grounds continue to be an important visitor attraction in Llanelli. It is well used by local residents.
Last year there were 14,392 visitors there showing Parc Howard to be as popular as ever.
The Authority has been working closely with the Parc Howard Association and Friends of Llanelli Museum who have come together as a working group to help improve the attraction.
County executive board member for leisure services Cllr Clive Scourfield said: “Parc Howard mansion house is a much loved building in Llanelli. The spectacular grounds and facilities are envied by many.
“The attraction is an important part of the town’s heritage and even in these economically constrained times huge efforts are being made to help upkeep and improve it.
“One of the biggest problems the Authority has faced has been theft of roof lead and other thefts and vandalism which over the years has had an effect on the money available to carryout improvements there.
“I would urge local residents to be vigilant and take ownership of their park by reporting any damaging acts or anyone acting suspiciously within the grounds to the police.”
Parc Howard mansion house has been the subject of 12 roof lead thefts over five years and resultant weather damage has threatened the fabric and museum contents of the much loved building.
As part of a £185,000 makeover new lead is being especially treated in a new scientific process which means it can be detected at a scrap yard if illegally removed and sold on.
Carmarthenshire council have decided against installing Tetra cameras as the lead detection is seen as a better option.
A total of £130,000 has been spent on the mansion improving access to the mansion house and museum including an external ramp and a lift internally.
An additional £55,000 is being invested in new windows and the lead.
The mansion and grounds continue to be an important visitor attraction in Llanelli. It is well used by local residents.
Last year there were 14,392 visitors there showing Parc Howard to be as popular as ever.
The Authority has been working closely with the Parc Howard Association and Friends of Llanelli Museum who have come together as a working group to help improve the attraction.
County executive board member for leisure services Cllr Clive Scourfield said: “Parc Howard mansion house is a much loved building in Llanelli. The spectacular grounds and facilities are envied by many.
“The attraction is an important part of the town’s heritage and even in these economically constrained times huge efforts are being made to help upkeep and improve it.
“One of the biggest problems the Authority has faced has been theft of roof lead and other thefts and vandalism which over the years has had an effect on the money available to carryout improvements there.
“I would urge local residents to be vigilant and take ownership of their park by reporting any damaging acts or anyone acting suspiciously within the grounds to the police.”
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