Chapel locks its doors to vandals

People will have to insert a special code to gain access to the chapel

Vandals have forced the leaders of a south Wales chapel to lock its doors.

A controlled entry lock has been installed at the Glyntaff Chapel of Remembrance in Pontypridd after a number of vandalism incidents.

The new lock, which was put in by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council who are responsible for the site, to protect the chapel's book of remembrance.

Families who visit the chapel will now have to contact Glyntaff Cemetery to be issued with a special code to gain entry.

"The book has many hundreds of entries, which are irreplaceable," said Councillor Adrian Hobson.

"At weekends when close supervision is harder we have been concerned that the book could be lost or stolen, something that would cause serious upset to families who have loved ones listed in the book.

The fact that we have to put in place security measures at all is very sad Cllr Adrian Hobson

"After looking at a range of security measures, we have recently installed a controlled entry lock.

"When the chapel is locked family members will be able to obtain a code from our staff to allow them to enter the chapel to view the book and pay their respects - I'm sure they will appreciate why we have had to take these steps," he said.

But he admitted that the installation of the lock saddened him.

"The fact that we have to put in place security measures at all is very sad," he said.

"There should be no need for security at any cemetery, they should be tranquil places for quiet contemplation and made safe by our common respect for those who have passed on and those who want to remember them."

Any family member wishing to enter the chapel at restricted times can contact Glyntaff Cemetery on 01443 402810.