NEW measures to protect historic buildings and sites in Gwent and across Wales have been given the go-ahead.

The Historic Environment (Wales) Bill, which was approved in the Senedd earlier today, will give ministers new powers to put an immediate halt to unauthorised work to monuments and make it easier to take action against those who have damaged or destroyed them.

The bill will also give local authorities greater powers to act quickly to protect historic buildings from decay while a new statutory register of Wales’ historic parks and gardens will be set up along with an independent panel to advise on policy around the historic environment.

The Welsh Government’s deputy minister for culture, sport and tourism Ken Skates welcomed the approval of the bill.

“Wales’ rich historic environment extends beyond our well-known ancient monuments and historic buildings,” he said.

“It also includes historic parks and gardens and our country’s great legacy of historic place names, both of which will, for the first time, be placed on statutory registers.

“Our heritage tells the fascinating story of our past. It brings social and cultural benefits and it makes a significant contribution to our economy through tourism.

“It is something that people really care about.”

Between 2006 and 2012 there were 119 recorded case of damage to monuments in Wales, but only four were reported to police and just one offender was successfully prosecuted. It is hoped the bill will make it easier to successfully prosecute vandals.

National Trust director for Wales Justin Albert also welcomed the news.

“Sustaining and enhancing our historic environment will undoubtedly show the world what a proud, caring and forward-thinking country we are,” he said. “A country that people will be eager to visit and share with us.”

AMs voted 34 to zero to approve the bill, with 22 abstentions. It is expected to pass into law when it gets Royal Assent next month.

There are currently more than 4,000 sites in Wales designated as monuments of national importance, ranging from medieval castles to Cold War-era military structures, and the sector is worth about £840 million every year while supporting 30,000 jobs.

To view the full bill visit gov.wales.