Time takes toll on river stones

The stones are hidden when water levels rise

Calls have been made for repairs to a set of ancient stepping stones which have worn down to below the water line at a south Wales beauty spot.

The stones across the river Ewenny at Merthyr Mawr, near Bridgend, have been used for centuries, but many are now underwater.

Bridgend AM Carwyn Jones wants funding to be made available for restoration.

But that could be a problem as neither Bridgend nor Vale of Glamorgan council is sure who is responsible for them.

"The stones are now unusable for much of the year because they have worn away to such an extent that they are below the level of the water," he said.

It would be a shame to see them get to a condition where they cannot be used at all Carwyn James AM

"The surfaces are also difficult for local people, tourists or children to walk on and are no longer level.

"The people who put them there would want them to continue to be used and I would like to work with local councils and organisations to see if money can be obtained to restore them.

"They could be restored sympathetically, in the same way as the old stone bridge has been.

"It would be a shame to see them get to a condition where they cannot be used at all," he added.

Safe crossing

It is uncertain when the stones near the ruins of Ogmore Castle were installed but it is thought to be as early as 11th or 12th Centuries.

Theories about why they were put there include locals putting them there to take advantage of a loophole on a Sunday drinking ban on one side of the river that was not in place on the other side.

But other theories suggest they were there simply there to provide people with an easy crossing over the river between Merthyr Mawr and Ogmore.

Both Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan councils have been asked for their response to the restoration call.