Manhole cover thefts put Mid Wales drivers at risk

Gangs of thieves are stealing cast-iron manhole covers from roads in Powys leaving gaping holes which could have "devastating" consequences for motorists.

Council chiefs today said 14 storm drain covers had been pinched from several trunk and country roads near Welshpool, Llanfair Caereinion, Llanfyllin and Meifod over the last few weeks.

Huge holes have appeared on the routes, exposing drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians to the danger of a serious accident.

John Evans, for Powys County Council, said the authority was now working with Dyfed-Powys Police to find the culprits.

He said: "Thieves targeting roadside drain-covers in Powys are putting motorists and vehicles at risk and causing damage to several roads.

"In the past few weeks 14 storm drain covers have been stolen from the A458 trunk road near Welshpool and from country roads in the Meifod and Llanfyllin areas. The thefts, apart from being costly for the authority, present a danger to all road users.

"There is a real risk of motorists driving over an exposed manhole with devastating affect. Apart from the obvious damage to a vehicle an incident would cause, it could result in personal injuries or worse."

He said that despite the council's best efforts to replace the covers as soon as possible some areas could be missed.

"The council is replacing covers as fast as it can but the danger is that some locations on minor roads are not discovered until it is too late. We would urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to get in touch with police and if anyone discovers a missing drain cover they should contact the council immediately, " he added.

Police said the 14 drain covers had been stolen some time between August 10 and Tuesday.

Antony Topazio, communications officer for Dyfed-Powys Police said: "We are investigating the theft of 14 storm drain covers, particularly from a stretch of road on the A458 between Llanfair Caerienion and Foel.

Call Dyfed-Powys Police on 101 or 0854 330 2000 or Powys County Council's service helpdesk on (0845) 6027035 or (01597) 827465 with any information.

By Anwen Evans