Ornate Lighting Pillar Stolen From Neath Empire

Thieves have taken an ornate lighting pillar from the lower ground floor of the Empire Neath building which is currently being demolished by the Coastal Housing Group who have acquired the property to build 12 flats for social housing.

The theft was mentioned to heritage enthusiast, Jason Reynolds, by an official of Coastal Housing when he was in the process of finding a new location for it along with the stained glass windows that he previously rescued from the building - now in safe keeping at Swansea University art department.   Mr Reynolds has reported the theft to Neath Police Station where the duty officer gave him a crime number for the incident.

Scrap and metal dealers are advised to keep a look out for the item which is classed as a cherished item from a bygone era.   The value of the item as piece of memorabilia is far greater than its value as a lump of metal.

It is suspected that the pillar was taken during a night time raid when more than one person was involved because of its size and weight.   A warning has been issued by the developers that anyone entering the building at the present time are putting themselves at risk because of asbestos fibres.

Anyone with information should contact Neath Police Station.