PONTYPOOL Park was targeted by vandals last night, with a fire set near the rugby stands which caused “significant damage”.

The “substantial” fire was started in a waste container shortly after 9pm, but fortunately staff at Pontypool Active Living Centre were said to have spotted it.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service received a call reporting the refuse fire at 9.04pm, and a crew from New Inn attended to deal with the situation.

But the commentary and media section of the Pontypool RFC main stand both suffered damage as a result.

It follows calls in the week from the club for more help dealing with anti-social behaviour, vandalism and arson attacks, after a number of incidents.

Following the fire Pontypool RFC put out a statement on its website.

It said: “Pontypool RFC is disappointed to announce that Pontypool Park was subjected to a further act of vandalism earlier this evening.

“The commentary and media section of the main stand has suffered significant fire damage as a result of a substantial fire emanating from a waste container.

“The fire has since been extinguished fully and police have attended the scene.

“This is the second arson attack that Pontypool Park has been subjected to in a matter of months, and Pontypool RFC will continue to communicate with Torfaen County Borough Council regarding this on-going situation.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident or any other acts of vandalism, is asked to call pl 101.