Historical sites offered more protection under new law

A new law to protect historical monuments and buildings in Wales has been passed by the assembly.

The Historic Environment (Wales) Bill gives local councils powers to make owners carry out repairs if they damage monuments.

Battlefields, prehistoric settlements and place names will also be recorded in order to offer more protection.

It follows concern that out of 119 cases of damage to sites between 2006 and 2012 only one resulted in a successful prosecution.

Ken Skates, the deputy minister for culture, said the new law would offer more protection and redress.