“Our historical monuments are being destroyed before our eyes”, a Blaenau businesswoman has claimed, after reporting to police that a group was “smashing up” local ruins.

Kiki Rees-Stavros said she spotted a group of people on Saturday, 18 January, pushing over walls at the disused Victorian Cwmorthin slate quarry.

She said she confronted the group after seeing them climb on the ruins and disturb the slates.

“The buildings need to be protected from attacks such as these. Their historical significance needs to be acknowledged,” said Ms Rees-Stavros.

A spokesperson for North Wales police told the Cambrian News: “We received a report at 4.50pm that someone was smashing up a slate house in Cwmorthin. Enquiries are ongoing.”

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