Welshpool police to target under-age drinking

Police have pledged to clamp down on under-age drinking in a Mid Wales town following complaints of incidents of anti-social behaviour from residents.

Officers and councillors said people were becoming increasingly concerned in Welshpool over the number of youngsters drinking in the streets, particularly at the town's skatepark, Maesydre recreation grounds.

The issue was raised by residents at a Partners and Communities Together meeting and Antony Topazio, communications officer for Dyfed-Powys Police, said police in Welshpool and local police community support officers would make it a priority.

"We will keep a close eye on the situation and attempt to tackle the problem before we meet again in a few months," he said.

"We will be conducting high-visibility patrols to target these issues. We would also ask that if anybody has anything to report about these or any other matters of concern to get in touch."

The meeting also heard from police there had been a big improvement since a warning was issued earlier this year that drivers were putting pedestrians lives in danger by failing to negotiate zebra crossings in the town properly.

Robert Robinson, Welshpool town council clerk, initially raised concerns raised by the town's youth council that drivers were failing to stop for pedestrians when they attempted to walk along the crossing, particularly near The Westwood Park pub.

But police at the meeting said officers had noticed a marked improvement since the matter was first raised and would continue to monitor the situation.

Call Welshpool Police on 101 or 08453302000 with any policing issues.