Police vow to ban drinking on Welshpool streets
Police have vowed to crackdown on anti-social behaviour and street drinking in Welshpool following a barrage of complaints from residents.
Officers said tackling the issue was top priority and an application for a ban on drinking in Welshpool town centre has been made by the town council.
If the application for the Designated Public Places Order is approved, it will prohibit the consumption of alcohol within the town centre. It will not affect pubs.
Dyfed-Powys Police said it had received 55 calls relating to anti-social behaviour in Welshpool town centre between January 1 and March 18. Now the force is promising to up high visibility street patrols throughout the day.
Sian George, force spokeswoman, said: "Cutting down on anti-social behaviour is a priority which was set by members of the community. High visibility foot patrols are being carried out in the town at various times of the day and officers will address any anti-social behaviour issues.
"Throughout January we received 24 calls relating to anti-social behaviour, with 19 relating specifically to incidents in the town centre.
"We submitted seven anti-social behaviour referrals to the Community Safety Partnership for Welshpool and patrols continue in the town centre and residential estates, and officers will deal with any incidents of anti-social behaviour accordingly.
"Throughout the period to March 18 there were a further 31 calls relating to anti-social behaviour, with 29 specific to the town centre. For this period we submitted 11 anti-social behaviour referrals and patrols will now continue.
"We also want to hear from anyone who has an anti-social behaviour issue affecting them to call us so we can keep track on them."
She added: "Welshpool Town Council has submitted a Designated Public Places Order application to Powys County Council. If this is approved it will prohibit the consumption of alcohol within the town centre. This will not affect pubs."
Miss George added that a number of complaints have also been lodged regarding speeding along Salop Road in both directions.
She added: "The Roads Policing Unit carried out visits to the Salop Road area which have resulted in a number of speeding offences and one vehicle seizure for insurance offences."
