Vale of Glamorgan Council has reacted quickly to restore a brand-new bench in Cowbridge which featured a rainbow design after an attack by vandals.

The Council donated the bench to mark Cowbridge's first Pride events in 2022 and to kick off Pride month celebrations. 

June is internationally recognised as Pride month where celebrations are dedicated, and contributions are made to the LGBTQ+ communities around the globe.

 To celebrate this year's Pride month, Cowbridge will be hosting a number of events throughout June for members and allies of the Vale's LGBTQ+ communities. The donation of the Pride bench last week signified the beginning of Pride month celebrations in the Vale.

Recently the bench was deliberately vandalised, and the incident is being treated as a criminal investigation by South Wales Police.

Lis Burnett, Leader of the Council, said: "On Friday afternoon the Council installed a rainbow bench in Cowbridge town centre to mark Pride month and the beginning of this year's local Cowbridge Pride celebrations. 

"Pride month is a celebration of acceptance, equality, and LGBTQ+ people within our communities. It is also something more than this.

"It is a time to reflect on how damaging homophobia was and still can be. 

"Sadly, at some time over the weekend the bench was deliberately damaged. As well as wilful criminal damage this is a hate crime. It has been reported to South Wales Police who are investigating and local CCTV footage is being reviewed.  

"This pathetic display of intolerance and hatred shows just why it is so important to celebrate Pride in our communities. The vast majority of people in the Vale of Glamorgan are kind, tolerant, and care for those they live alongside. They will be horrified at this news and the criminals responsible should not for one moment think they represent local residents.  

"The bench was restored to its former glory on Monday and once again provides a visible show of support from the people of Cowbridge and a space in the town centre for the community to come together. We will never stop showing our support for all of those who make up our communities.  "Love wins x"