ARSONISTS caused major damage after setting fire to a bowling club last night.

The Bailey Park Bowls Club pavilion was set on fire at around 10.30pm, causing considerable damage to the roof and to changing-rooms which could cost thousands of pounds to repair.

This is the latest in a series of serious arson attacks in the town in recent months.

Llanfoist Youth football team were left homeless last month when a deliberate blaze destroyed their clubhouse.

Bailey Park Bowls Club's chairman, Colin Jones, told the Argus today he was not surprised the attack had taken place, and claimed he and members were in fear of intimidation from a gang of youths on a weekly basis.

"I should be able to go about taking part in a peaceful activity without too much fear and intimidation, but that's not true in Bailey Park," he said.

"There are children aged between nine and 16 operating in a lawless society, and I don't think anybody knows what to do about them."

Detective Sergeant Howard Salmon, from Abergavenny CID, said: "This was a deliberate attempt to destroy the property and we condemn those people determined to spoil facilities provided for people to enjoy."

Monmouthshire council officers are due to examine the building tomorrow to assess the extent of the damage. Today a joint investigation by the South Wales Fire Service and Gwent Police detectives was under way as they tried to gather evidence.

Gwent Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 01873 852273.