CCTV has been erected in a crime hotspot to catch culprits believed to be as young as eight!
The recreation facilities at Maes-y-dre have become a regular target for vandals, with the fencing, football dug outs and the old grandstand frequently damaged at a cost of thousands to the Welshpool tax payer.
But the town council has had enough and, after receiving reliable tip-offs that kids, including some of primary school age, were to blame, decided to act.
“After the fencing was damaged it was time to insert a strong deterrent,” said Town Clerk, Robert Robinson. “It is clearly signposted that it is in operation which sends a strong message to anyone looking to cause damage that they will be caught and prosecuted.”
Mr. Robinson added that the newly formed Youth Council is educating the young people of the town that the damage caused has a direct effect on their parents’ pockets.
“The cost of fixing the vandalism by the Town Council falls back onto the people of Welshpool through the rates they pay so these children must understand that if it does not stop, then as a consequence the rates could rise.”