WQ84533 (e) Tabled on 15/02/2022

Will the Minister provide an update on the work the Welsh Government is doing to protect war memorials in Wales?

Answered by Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, and Chief Whip | Answered on 23/02/2022

The primary form of protection for war memorials is through listing. There are currently around 230 listed memorials in Wales. Many of these are free-standing structures, including traditional war memorials, but some are other forms of commemoration such as memorial gates, plaques and buildings.  

Cadw continues to assess war memorials which are recommended to it. In November 2021 Cadw added Trelewis War memorial to its register of listed buildings at Grade II. Information on all the listed memorials in Wales is presented on Cof Cymru, Cadw’s online map. 

In autumn 2021 Cadw opened a new community heritage grant scheme providing grants of up to £15,000 to support the maintenance and repair of community assets in Wales. Listed war memorials were eligible for support, and two memorial halls (classed as war memorials) have been offered grants under the scheme.

Cadw has created a series of 15-Minute Heritage StoryMaps on its website to encourage people to explore their communities. Some of these, such as the StoryMaps for Bedwas and Ammanford, include war memorials, bringing them to the wider attention of both local people and people across Wales.