AN artist has created a body of work in response to the removal of Penarth’s Victorian lampposts.

Lampposts across Penarth are being replaced with modern LED lighting, as the Penarth Times has previously reported.

But campaigners have asked that the old posts be left in place to preserve Penarth’s heritage, with new ones installed beside.

Haf Weighton is a textile artist based in Penarth, and she spoke of her “shock” when she heard of the council plans.

Ms Weighton said: “ I decided to create interpretations of each building on the Esplanade with the lamp posts in each one.

“I stitched the names of the streets that will lose their posts around the edges of each piece of art.

“In some ways I was trying to give our heritage an opportunity to live on.”

Ms Weighton has created six pieces which are on show at an exhibition at Penarth Pier Pavilion.

Gemma Crutchley, who founded a petition to save the lampposts, said: “I feel it’s important for these symbols of the Welsh industrial heritage to be kept on our streets. I want my children to grow up knowing and seeing their local history around them.”

Cardiff South and Penarth AM Vaughan Gething met with Ms Weighton and Ms Crutchley over the campaign recently .

Mike Clogg, the Vale of Glamorgan Council operational manager for neighbourhood services and transport, said: “The council is replacing a number of lighting columns in various areas of Penarth. There are electrical and structural safety issues with some of the older posts and it would not be practicable or cost-effective to attempt repairs. Others will be converted to fit LED lights in line with the energy reduction strategy. This is better for the environment as LED lights produce less CO2.

“It is difficult if not impossible to find parts for the old Victorian lamp posts, so retention and refurbishment of the street lights is generally not an option.

“The lantern design on the posts is also incompatible with a conversion to LED lighting and the switch forms part of the council’s Street Lighting Energy Reduction Strategy.”

Ms Weighton’s pavilion exhibition, called ‘Adre – Home’ continues until May 28.

The petition can be found at www.change.org/p/vale-of-glamorgan-council-save-the-victorian-heritage-of-penarth.