POLICE in Powys are gearing up to deal with more alcohol related incidents with the re-opening of the nighttime economy as lockdown restrictions are eased.

Pubs in Wales are to re-open outdoors only on April 26, and with other lockdown measures, such as travel restrictions easing, officers are being prepared for changes.

The reopening is likely to see people flocking to licensed premises in towns such as Newtown and Welshpool where they can be served outdoors.

Dyfed-Powys Police Inspector Matthew Price said: "With outside hospitality reopening we're anticipating for the next bank holiday to have a busier night time economy than we did for this bank holiday weekend, so we will be looking at putting extra resources in place to police those factors.

"Although it is not a full opening up, we are preparing for an increase in alcohol based crime, with public houses in both Newtown and Welshpool, we have been working quite closely with the local publicans to ensure that plans are in place so that it can be a smooth transition.

"It's so we know who is going to be opening, how they are going to be opening and what is expected of each other to try and prevent any massive concerns and escalation in drunken related crime."