Pylons Through the Cradle of Welsh Civilisation: A Taliban-Like Attack on Our History, Culture and Commerce?
Outraged landowners and heritage advocates call for urgent action from Cadw and Welsh Government.
Carmarthenshire, 8 April 2025 – Welsh landowners, residents, and heritage supporters have issued an urgent call to Cadw and the Welsh Government to halt proposed plans to construct towering pylons across historic landscapes in the Tywi and Usk valleys — areas widely recognised as some of the most culturally and historically significant in Wales.
In an open letter to Cadw’s leadership, Trevor Jones of Manordeilo — writing on behalf of concerned citizens across the affected regions — condemns the plans as a “Taliban-like attack” on
Welsh heritage, citing the irreversible damage the pylons would inflict on ancient landscapes, Roman roads, and Cadw-registered sites.
“This is not just about electricity — it’s about identity,” says Jones. “The Tywi and Usk valleys are the cradle of Welsh civilisation. To disfigure them with steel monstrosities is to scar the soul of Wales.”
The letter criticises the Welsh Government’s complicity in allowing private infrastructure developers (notably Green GEN Cymru, reportedly backed by CIG/Investment funds such as Vespas) to push forward with plans that, campaigners argue, offer no public benefit and threaten tourism, history, and natural beauty.
The author calls on Cadw to:
- Publicly oppose the overhead pylon routes.
- Campaign for underground alternatives, which are more cost-effective and sustainable; Defend decades of investment in protecting Welsh cultural landmarks.
- And, if unable to act, to consider resigning in.
Citing the looming court action over land access warrants (scheduled for 7 April), Jones warns of a growing grassroots movement preparing to resist the project through legal, public, and media channels.
“We need voices in power – those who love our land and understand its history – to stand up now, or Wales risks losing something it can never get back,” the letter concludes.
Welsh Country approached Cadw for their comment to which we got the reply below from the Welsh Government Press Office
“We cannot comment further on this given that projects may be decided by Welsh Ministers through the planning system.”
