A ROW between Chepstow Arts Festival and Welsh heritage group CADW could see £77,000 worth of funding being lost.

The festival committee wants to put up a canopy to cover the audience at Chepstow Castle so plays can be performed in the summer without fear of a weather washout.

They say the structure will increase the number of visitors to the area, and provide a picturesque setting for summer entertainment.

But now CADW is objecting, claiming that the canopy would detract from the castle and be "detrimental" to visitors' enjoyment of it.

The project has been in the pipeline for years and organisers have £77,000 pledged for the project. They say CADW has only just voiced its problems with the cover.

Ned Heywood, chairman of the Chepstow Festival, said: "In two weeks the funding will disappear. If it doesn't happen now it will never happen.

"We feel the benefits to the community will outweigh the problems CADW seem to have with it. They are saying it will ruin visitors' experience, but it is actually a very elegant structure - and it would only be there for a few weeks each year."

A spokeswoman for the Welsh Assembly said: "CADW is happy to support cultural activity at its monuments but not to the detriment of the enjoyment of visitors.

"CADW was approached in April 2004 to consider the installation of an audience cover for use during the Chepstow Festival.

"However, the festival takes place during the peak tourist period and installing a canopy would have a significant and detrimental effect on visitors' access, enjoyment and appreciation of the castle.

"Three meetings have taken place between CADW officials, Mr Heywood, and his architect, where on each occasion our concerns have been raised. CADW is happy to work with the Chepstow Arts Festival to find a less intrusive location for the canopy."

Mr Heywood said in response: "Their argument is ambiguous and vague - the aesthetic appeal is a matter of opinion. They are damaging a project which has been going on for years.

"I think they are concerned it will create too much work. These are poor reasons for stifling a community-based initiative."