Cofiwch Dryweryn sign disappears from beach wall

IT came, and then it went.

This Cofiwch Dryweryn sign appeared on the seawall at Swansea beach.

Now, after being reported to Swansea Council, it has gone.

Meaning “remember Tryweryn” – in recognition of the Tryweryn valley in north Wales, which was flooded to create a reservoir serving Liverpool – it was one of dozens which appeared across Wales this year.

This spree followed vandalism at the first recorded Cofiwch Dryweryn sign on a stone wall at Llanrhystud, near Aberystwyth.

First it was painted with the word “Elvis”. Then it was partially demolished.

A Swansea Council spokesman said its graffiti removal team had been to work on the seafront and that the Cofiwch Dryweryn sign did not have permission.

A spokesman said: “Street artists are able to work with local groups in the city to develop art murals at locations where permission has been granted.

“We have also established a site at the Recreation Ground for local artists to use legally.”

Cofiwch Dryweryn graffiti has been sprayed in other locations in Swansea, including Clydach – while one even appeared in Chicago.

The UK Parliament’s decision to create the reservoir in the 1960s is regarded as a turning point in the Welsh nationalist and language movement.

BBC Wales has reported that a charity called Tro’r Trai is to take charge of protecting the original Cofiwch Dryweryn sign at Llanrhystud.

Dilys Davies, who bought the sign, said: “This will ensure a secure future for the wall, and the monument will be preserved by the charity for good.”