A POWYS County Councillor has called on the police to step up against a rise in anti-social behaviour in Welshpool.

The calls come after a weekend that saw a string of damaging incidents across the town.

Maesydre playing fields was damaged by a stolen tractor, shop windows were smashed, cars damaged, and runners were abused on the local towpath.

Councillor Graham Breeze, who represents the Llanerchyddol Ward on Powys County Council, has called on Dyfed Powys Police to take action to track down the offenders.

He said: “I have made contact with senior officers and along with the town’s other county councillors have a meeting with the local policing team this week when I will be raising the issue as one of real concern.

County Times: Seats were broken in the stands.Seats were broken in the stands.

“It is unacceptable that these incidents are taking place in Welshpool. Business owners are recovering from the effects of the Covid pandemic and the last thing they need is to find their shop windows smashed.”

On March 6, a group of youths rode a stolen tractor across the athletic fields used by Welshpool Rugby Club and Welshpool Football Club, Cllr Breeze said.

They caused serious damage to the pitch’s surface by leaving tyre tracks and shattered glass over the area.

The tractor was abandoned in the middle of the pitch with its windscreen and windows smashed.

County Times: Tyre tracks left on the pitchTyre tracks left on the pitch

Cllr Breeze added: “The theft of a Town Council owned tractor and serious damage to Welshpool Rugby Club’s pitch is a disgrace, particularly when the club has been offering drop-in sessions for youngsters on Wednesday nights in a bid to form links with the town’s youths.

“There is also serious damage to around 20 seats in the Tegwyn Evans Stand at Welshpool Town Football Club at the Maesydre Recreation Grounds and signs of fires being started.

County Times: The pitch may need resurfacing because of the damage.The pitch may need resurfacing because of the damage.

“I have been approached by many concerned residents so have asked the police to give assurances that they will be stepping up efforts to find the culprits.

“Hopefully CCTV images from the recreation ground will help find the culprits.”

The rugby club fears the pitch may be unusable for weeks while the damage is repaired.

Frank Johns, of Welshpool Rugby Club, said: “I have met with the town council lads down there and they said it will have to be returfed as there is so much glass spread over such a big area of the playing surface.”