Stolen Christmas lights leaves Merthyr Tydfil village heartbroken

Thieves have stolen the lights from a Christmas tree, leaving a village heartbroken.

It was the first year a Christmas tree had been put up in Trefechan, Merthyr Tydfil, after it was donated by a construction company.

The lights for the tree had been paid for through community fundraising.

"It is one of the saddest things at this time of year. It is devastating just before Christmas," said councillor Lisa Mytton, who organised the tree.

"It's the first year we've done it at Trefechan," she added.

"The tree was absolutely beautiful. We had an event with Santa and had such good feedback.

"I had a call to say there was something wrong with the lights. Then we discovered someone has been up there and stolen the lights.

"Whoever has done it was determined. It was done in the middle of the night with a ladder. These were tied on with cable ties to make sure they were safe.

"I just don't understand why, I don't even know if they can be reused."

Villagers are now trying to get the lights replaced before Christmas Day.

"It is really late in the day and we've not got many funds left," said Ms Mytton.

"I've had offers, people even offering battery operated ones, but I'm waiting on a call from street lighting to see if they can help."

She said people in Trefechan had been through a difficult year, after access to the village was restricted because of a combination of roadworks and damage from Storm Dennis.

"Trefechan has been really isolated," she said.

Resident Julie Ridley said the theft of the Christmas lights had "taken the cheer from the village".

"People appreciated it, they felt special," she said.

"It was a big change for the community. The general consensus was that the tree brought the community together. People were happy it was there.

"I took the dog for a walk and thought just how pretty the tree looked," she added.

Resident Mark Evans said everyone was "shocked" when they saw what had happened.

"Like all valleys communities we'll rally around and replace it," he said.

"I think [the vandals] need to understand what Christmas is all about.

"We can do that with any more grinches at Christmas, especially around here."