A NEWTOWN football club has asked for permission to maintain its ground following more than three months of lockdown.

Maesyrhandir Football Club compete in JT Hughes Montgomeryshire League One and, like the rest of Welsh football, entered hiatus when the pandemic lockdown led to the curtailing and abandoning of the season.

Since facilities have remained closed.

Maesyrhandir’s ground at Maldwyn Leisure Centre has since become overgrown and led to club official Ryan Hawksworth calling for owners Freedom Leisure to grant the club permission to access the site and undertake pitch maintenance.

Hawksworth said: “I have tried contacting Maldwyn Leisure Centre but had no luck so far.”

Meanwhile Powys County Council confirmed all leisure centre facilities remained closed.

A spokesman said: "The leisure centres operated managed by Freedom Leisure are still closed to the public with a date not yet agreed and announced by Welsh Government.

"Most of the Freedom Leisure staff have been furloughed for the past three months, but hopefully that should change in the next few weeks.

"We understand that ‘outdoor courts’ have been allowed to open, but all leisure providers and councils are still seeking clarity from Welsh Government about outdoor pitches.

"There also needs to be further guidance provided around team sports and numbers allowed in gatherings or bubbles.

"We will provide a further update as soon as we are able to do so."