Police officers are carrying out high visibility patrols to stop damage caused by illegal off-roading at a popular woodland area between Lake Vyrnwy and Llangadfan.

Dyfed-Powys Police said Dyfnant Forest and surrounding areas are being blighted by people illegally using routes which is damaging the countryside.

The local community are being encouraged to voice where they have experienced issues in a new police survey. Police said the information given in the survey will help officers to identify specific sections for targeted patrols, helping to ensure that it remains safe and enjoyable for everyone in the community.

PC Jim Baines, from Welshpool’s Neighbour Policing Team, said: “The reports we receive often involve off road vehicles using illegal routes, which has an impact everyone, including walkers, cyclists and horse riders. This also impacts on wildlife, livestock and damages local farmland.

"The area around Dyfnant is vast and additional information from the community would be hugely beneficial, especially from those who have witnessed problems. We would be grateful if people could spare some time to complete the survey.

"We believe that this extra information can help us to keep Dyfnant Forest and the area around it safe for people to continue to enjoy.”

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The multi-agency problem solving approach is being undertaken with Welshpool’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, Dyfed-Powys Police’s Rural Crime Team, Natural Resources Wales and Powys County Council.

Dyfed-Powys Police can be contacted online, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired can text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.