FIRE hydrants in Abergavenny are in a "worrying state" following a street investigation by a councillor.

James George, county and town councillor for the Lansdown Ward, started his survey by going street to street in his ward, "It's taken some time as there are over 40 hydrants, but there's no easily available public register of the location of these on the internet."

Councillor George's survey so far has shown many fire hydrant 'H' signs missing, worn away, not maintained or not clearly marked for the fire service. "It's really important that these signs stand out for fire fighters in the dark or bad weather, but from just looking around the ward its obvious that many of these hydrants are just not been maintained to the required standard."

Walking around the ward, James George also discovered that the actual fire hydrants used by the fire service for water were often badly maintained. "On one occasion I have found hydrant plates missing and loose and one was filled with silt and debris. How the fire service could use these in the event of a fire nearby is worrying."

The councillor has contacted local Assembly Member, Michael German, and leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats in the National Assembly for Wales, to help investigate the matter. He added, "Enquiries so far have shown that it's not clear who exactly is actually responsible for the maintenance of fire hydrants, whether it the local Fire Service or the Water Companies. I am sure that everyone wants to be reassured that this vital public service is maintained in tip-top quality."