A COMMUNITY leader has hit out at the "mindless vandals" who targeted a slate plaque in Lower Brynaman within hours of its official unveiling.

Cllr Arwyn Woolcock hit out after Welsh slogans were daubed in lime-green paint over the 'Gateway to the Black Mountain" plaque in Cannon Street.

The monument, thought to cost several thousands of pounds, was funded by Neath Port Talbot Council along with the Welsh Assembly. The plaque alone is said to have cost £5,000.

It is understood that the plaque - set in a commemorative wall to mark an area of renewal - was targeted by Welsh language activists unhappy that its English inscription appeared above the Welsh.

Cllr Woolcock said he sympathised with the protestors' cause, but not with their methods.

"It's unfortunate that English has been put above the Welsh," he said, "but this kind of mindless vandalism is totally unacceptable."

One resident who asked not to be named said: "I'm Welsh through and through but this is absolutely disgusting.

"We live in a multi-racial society and I cannot believe some people are so small-minded."

Robert Rees Head of Housing at Neath Port Talbot Council: said "The Grime Busting team has managed to clean the slate, but we will need to do some work on the lettering as the silver paint has come away.

"The cost to the council for cleaning will be approximately a few hundred pounds.

"The overall cost of the project was approximately £91,000 - 80% of which came from the Welsh Assembly Government with the remaining 20% coming from the Renewal Area, Community Council and Groundwork.

The road sign element of the gateway feature is compliant with the Council's Welsh Language policy."