Hotline initiative to tackle Welshpool yobs
Welshpool's mayor has warned yobs and louts they are not wanted or welcome in his town "full stop".
Councillor Steve Kaye spoke defiantly ahead of a public meeting with police to discuss the problem of anti-social behaviour in Welshpool.
The town council has launched a drive to stop escalating crime and neighbourhood vandalism.
A two-week consultation period with residents, from June 20 to July 7, will see councillors launch and run a hotline number, monitor a website and check an incident book where instances of anti-social behaviour will be reported.
Regular problems have been reported in the town, with discoveries of needles and drug paraphernalia dumped near the Scansis play area in Oldford estate and reports of drinking on the streets.
Councillor Kaye said: "We don't want this behaviour and these type of people in our town, full stop.
"We don't want them anywhere. They can go to Timbuktu for all I care."
He added: "We're hearing about people being cheeky, urinating, spitting and drinking in our streets.
"That's not right. If people can't handle their booze they shouldn't drink.
"This system that we're bringing in place will help towards our clampdown and provide us with evidence that will strengthen our argument in getting this order we've been crying out for for so long."
Members of Welshpool Town Council have campaigned for a Designated Public Place Order, renamed a People and Place Order, to restrict drinking in the town.
Councillor Kaye said: "I hope people make use of this reporting system because it strengthens our case. As a town council we are doing everything we can but people need to do their part to help us."
Residents will be able to report neighbourhood issues confidentially to the town council during the consultation, which will be compiled into a case study.
Incidents can be reported using the hotline number (01938) 554433, emailing wtcouncil@btinternet.com or by filling out a form on the town council's website. Information can also be passed to police using the non-emergency 101 number. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
