Warning over Welshpool glass vandalism

Vandals are deliberately putting Welshpool residents at risk by smashing bottles and leaving the broken glass on sports pitches, it has been claimed.

Welshpool town councillors fear someone may be seriously injured.

Dyfed-Powys Police says it is keeping a closer eye on the situation.

Robert Robinson, town clerk, said vandals were continually smashing glass bottles and leaving them on the Maesydre recreation grounds, which includes the town's rugby and football pitches, as well as a children's play area.

Mr Robinson said before every sports game, people were having to examine the pitches for the glass.

He said: "It's just been a recurring problem for a while now and we are keen to highlight it before someone is injured. Vandalism throughout the town has got a lot worse in recent months and it's costing the council thousands of pounds every year to clean it up.

"We keep finding broken glass on the stand and the pitches in Maesydre recreation grounds. The caretaker is doing his best but he no sooner does it than it's there again."

Mr Robinson said fences in the grounds were also being damaged regularly and seats were being ripped out and thrown out of the ground's stadium.

"This type of behaviour is something that just can't be tolerated but those responsible keep doing it and it's getting worse," he said.

"We've repaired the same fence in the Maesydre grounds three times in recent months because it's been damaged and taken down by people. Bins are also being turned upside down and the amount of litter it creates on the grounds is unbelievable — it's not fair that other people have to clean up something that shouldn't have been done in the first place."