ALMOST £500,000 is being pledged to help preserve historic buildings in Gwent.

The money has been awarded by the Assembly following advice from the Historic Advisory Council for Wales.

It recommended funding repairs to buildings of outstanding historical or architectural significance and those in need of repair.

One of the biggest beneficiaries is the Church of Saints Peter, Paul and John in Llantrisant, near Usk.

A £112,000 grant will go towards the £177,000 cost of replacing the roof on the Grade 1 listed building that was rebuilt in 1590.

It has been deteriorating for 15 years, particularly the roof, and church warden Sandy Blair was delighted with the award.

He said: "This is a very large project and we are a very small village. It has taken a long time to summon the courage to start it."

Other grants have been applied for and Mr Blair hopes work can start next Spring.

The Reverend Joan Wakeling is Vicar of St John’s Church, Llandenny. It has been given £51,000 towards the cost of a new roof.

Wooden pins holding stone tiles in place have started rotting and the tiles have begun falling off the roof.

In total, repair work could cost up to £200,000. A group called Friends of St John’s has raised £90,000 towards the cost in eight months through events and fund-raisers.

Mrs Wakeling said: "They are a small group of Christians and have done brilliantly in what they've raised. But we need help in raising money for a building that has historic significance to Wales.

"We have other grants pending and hopefully the work can start next year."

The deteriorating building has a yellow tarpaulin that currently waterproofs the roof. This can be seen for miles and Mrs Wakeling said gliders in the area use it as a marker.

South East Wales AM Jocelyn Davies said: "A condition of the grants is that the buildings are made accessible to the public for a period of ten years and I hope people will take advantage of this."

Gwent buildings to benefit:

  • Church of Saints Peter, Paul and John, Llantrisant Nr Usk - £112,000.
  • Mount Pleasant Centre, Hanbury Road Pontypool - £35,000.
  • St Cadoc’s church, Pontypool - £120,000
  • St John’s church, Llandenny, Usk - £51,000
  • Bedwellty House and Park, Tredegar, £125,000.
  • Ramfield Study centre, Church Road, Blaenavon - £6,000.