Cricket pavilion described as vandalism "hot spot" destroyed by fire

The pavilion, which belongs to the now defunct Talgarth Cricket Club, has been described as a “hot spot” for vandalism in recent years, since the club folded around 6 years ago.

A fire broke out at the site, located adjacent to the old Mid Wales Hospital – a psychiatric hospital, which closed in 1999 – on Sunday night, March 19.

Pictures posted on social media that evening showed the pavilion well ablaze, while images posted the following morning revealed the pavilion had been totally destroyed.

“It has been a hot spot for local youths to vandalise for a few years now,” bemoaned Talgarth mayor Louise Elston-Reeves.

“I have many fond precious memories of my childhood at this pavilion as my father played (cricket). My family did teas I scored book and we cleaned it. My mother still lives at the old hospital site.”

Councillor Elston-Reeves believes the pavilion has become more attractive as a hangout for local youngsters in recent years following the installation of CCTV cameras at Talgarth Town Football Club, which was formerly a popular spot for gathering.

“I think because it’s empty and people think it’s haunted (the hospital site),” said Cllr Elston-Reeves when asked why the pavilion seems to have become a target.

“As for the local kids using the pavilion I think it’s because they have little else to do.

“Footfall increased at the cricket (pavilion) since a CCTV upgrade at their usual hang out at the football pavilion in Talgarth.

“There’s a lack of respect, a lack of parental guidance; the list is endless.”

Emergency services were deployed to the scene on Sunday evening, with Dyfed Powys Police saying in a statement: “We received a report from fire at 8.35pm on Sunday, March 19, that a cricket pavilion was on fire in Hospital Road, Talgarth.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact us online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline by email 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk or by calling 101. Quote reference: DP-20230319-312.”