Cowbridge: Steps star angry over Pride rainbow bench damage

Steps star Ian "H" Watkins said:" It may just seem like a bench to you, but to myself and to those who cannot be themselves, it's a symbol of inclusion, kindness & diversity"

Steps star Ian "H" Watkins said he is "upset" and "angry" over the vandalism of a bench celebrating Pride month.

June is Pride month - a month dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ communities all around the world.

The rainbow bench was installed recently in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, to celebrate the town's first Pride in 2022.

South Wales Police confirmed it is investigating the criminal damage.

Days later, the rainbow was removed in what Mr Watkins called a "homophobic attack".

Mr Watkins, who starred in Dancing on Ice in 2020, said: "A few days ago this was a beautiful, bright, rainbow-coloured bench celebrating diversity and inclusion and kindness.

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"I feel really quite upset about this. I know its just a bench but this is a symbol, it's a statement of love and inclusion."

Mr Watkins founded Cowbridge Pride and said he has "worked so hard".

"Our town is beautiful, I love Cowbridge, and I have no idea why somebody would do this," he said.

The bench was one of several Pride decorations installed around the town

"I take this as a homophobic attack. This bench was a symbol of inclusion, kindness and diversity in Cowbridge. People ask why we need Pride. This is exactly why.

"Hatred still exists and it makes me realise that the fight must go on. So upsetting. Really, really disappointed."

Watkins added: "This is a passion project and we have done so much good already. I want my children to grow up in an all inclusive world. I've decided to be the change I want to see."

'Pathetic display of intolerance'

Lis Burnett, leader of Vale of Glamorgan council, confirmed the damage and labelled it "wilful criminal damage" and a "hate crime".

"This pathetic display of intolerance and hatred shows just why it is so important to celebrate Pride in our communities," she said.

"The vast majority of people in the Vale of Glamorgan are kind, tolerant, and care for those they live alongside. They will be horrified at this news and the criminals responsible should not for one moment think they represent local residents."

She added that the bench was "restored to its former glory" on Monday and that the people of Cowbridge will "never stop showing our support for all of those who make up our communities".

The pride bench was installed to celebrate the first ever Cowbridge Pride event in 2022

In a statement Cowbridge Pride confirmed the rainbow removal was vandalism

A spokesperson said: "This is not the first time Cowbridge Pride has been subject to anti-LGBTQ+ hate, as in 2022 the town hall was vandalised."

An offensive word was written in permanent pen, they added.

South Wales Police said the bench was damaged over the weekend.

Officers are checking CCTV in the area to identify those responsible for the damage, a spokesperson said.