Let there be light at Newtown churchyard

The lighting scheme is part of a project to improve the churchyard, undertaken by Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council and the community.

It has also included the felling of two trees and the planting of five new ones.

Fundraising included ghost walks by Rory Evans.

The council said that the original vision and aims of the lighting of St Mary’s were to supply the tower with electricity, to light the areas that were in darkness and provide a colourful lighting scheme that would enhance the building and surrounding gardens.

Phased coloured lights have been installed with high efficiency LED lighting that is slowly phased through a spectrum of colours.

Deputy Mayor and lead councillor for the project, Councillor Richard White, said there had been frequent and persistent acts of vandalism over the last few years. The project looked at ways to not only help reduce the risk of this happening but to also enhance the area, particularly into the evening and night time.

“Two trees in St Mary’s churchyard, the roots of which were raising and breaking up the footpath, have been felled and the footpath repaved. The trees have been replaced by the planting of five young trees," he said.

"I am delighted that an exciting project to illuminate St Mary’s churchyard enhancing the area for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike is now complete.

"Hopefully, this will put an end to the vandalism that has been perpetrated on several occasions in the churchyard.

"We are very grateful to Rory, known as our local ‘ghostly raconteur’ has been instrumental in raising a good deal of money for this very worthwhile project.”

Mr Evans said: “Thank you everybody who has attended my ghost walks around St Mary’s. It means so much to me to have the lighting up now.

"Great community spirit along with the staff at Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council enabled this to happen.

"It’s great to see the old church looking so beautiful.”