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A second Snoopy sculpture has been vandalised in Caerphilly – but organisers say it will be repaired.
The sculpture at Dafydd Williams Park, which was put up on April 8 as part of A Dog’s Trail with Snoopy, was found decapitated on Friday, April 15.
It has since been taken away for repairs, but charity Dogs Trust, which has organised the trail, has said it will return.
Of the six sculptures in Caerphilly town centre it is the second to be damaged since the charity trail began – the other being on Crescent Road.
Rebecca Staden, Project Manager of A Dogs’s Trail, said: “If people are joining us for the trail, they might notice Bore Da Snoopy isn’t in its spot in Dafydd Williams Park in Caerphilly.
“Sadly, this sculpture was vandalised and we’ve had to remove it from the trail whilst we look into repairs.”
She added: “Naturally, this is upsetting for everyone involved, but the good news is that all sculptures can be repaired and will be back out on the trail as soon as possible.”
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A number of sculptures have also been damaged in Cardiff.
Wild in Art, which has worked with Dogs Trust to produce the sculptures, said it was “dismayed” at the damage.
In a statement, the organisation said: “Wild in Art has created trails in towns and cities across the world which have raised much needed funds for charity partners, so it is sad to see this level of vandalism, which has been reported to the police.
“The overwhelming majority of people are enjoying the trail and treat the sculptures with respect. We hope that the actions of a few individuals do not detract from everyone’s enjoyment.”
Also included in the trail are numerous mini sculptures which have been decorated by school pupils from across Caerphilly County Borough.
The sculptures were decorated with artwork depicting the children’s local communities, as well as themes of inclusivity, diversity and protecting the environment.
The trail will run until June 5.
Where can the mini sculptures be found?
- Caerphilly Indoor Market (Sculptures by Bryn Awel Primary; Libanus Primary; Fleur de Lys and Pengam Primary)
- The Old Library Cafe, Morgan Jones Park (Sculptures by Pantside Primary; Graig y Rhacca Primary; St Helens Primary; Cwmaber Infants)
- Caerphilly Library (Sculptures by Cwmfelinfach Primary; Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg y Castell; Machen Primary; White Rose Primary; Trinant Primary; Upper Rhymney Primary; Hendre Juniors; Ysgol Gymraeg Penalltau; Pontllanfraith Primary; Ysgol Gymraeg Cwm Gwyddon; Ty’n y Wern Primary)
- Coffi Vista (Sculptures by Bryn Primary; Fochriw Primary; Maesycwmmer Primary; Rhiw Syr Dafydd Primary)
- Y Galeri (Sculptures by Rhydri Primary; Nant y Parc Primary; Coed y Brain Primary; Gilfach Fargoed and Park Primaries)
- Castle Court Shopping Centre (Sculptures by Twyn School; Pentwynmawr Primary; St James Primary; Hendre Infants; Cwmcarn Primary; Ty Sign Primary)
- Morrisons (Sculptures by Aberbargoed Primary; Cwrt Rawlin Primary)
Not ‘Peanuts’ council defends spending £30,000 on trail sponsorship
Caerphilly County Borough Council has defended spending £30,000 on the Snoopy trail without consulting councillors or the public.
The aim of the trail was that each sculpture in Caerphilly County Borough, Cardiff, and Porthcawl, would be sponsored by a business or individual, and then auctioned after the campaign to raise further funds for Dogs Trust.
The rate card for a business sponsoring a main sculpture was £6,000. No private businesses have sponsored any of the six sculptures in Caerphilly County Borough with the council instead listed as the main sponsor.
But the council has said the sponsorship was “not a matter that required a Cabinet report”.
Funding for the trail came from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Business Revenue Fund. According to the council, this money aims to increase footfall in town centres through events.
A council spokesperson said: “The council is pleased to be working in partnership with Dogs Trust and other local authorities across the region to support this initiative. As well as raising money for charity, the exciting new trail will promote tourism, encourage visitors into the area and boost the local economy.”
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