Clampdown on illegal off-roaders

Police have joined forces with other groups to tackle off-roaders

Police have joined forces with other agencies in a crackdown on illegal off-roaders and fly-tipping in Powys.

Dyfed-Powys Police already have a dedicated officer, but the so-called growing problem has forced agencies to team up and form a new group.

A police Land Rover and two motorbikes will be used to track down those breaking the law in rural areas.

Powys council said there had been an increase in illegal off-roading during the past 10 years.

Powys Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), which consists of the council, police, Brecon Beacons National Park, the Countryside Council for Wales and Forestry Commission Wales, will be working closely to tackle "this rapidly growing problem".

PCSP said Powys' rurality made it difficult for 4x4 vehicles to catch law breakers, but now they will be using off-road motorcycles as well.

'Countryside crime'

CSP chairman Graham Brown said: "Powys has tremendous landscape assets, from the dramatic mountains of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the rolling hills of Radnor Forest to the Berwyn Mountains in the north, but our landscape is being blighted by illegal off-roading and countryside crime.

"The creation of this enforcement team is a pro-active approach in tackling the problems caused by this illegal activity and to ensure that everyone can enjoy our wonderful landscape in a safe way."

Powys covers some 2,000 sq miles (5,180 sq km), of which 513 sq miles (1,328 sq km) are in the Brecon Beacons.

Powys also has about 10,000km (6,214 miles) of public rights of way, of which more than 200km (321.8 miles) are byways and open to vehicles.

Gwyn Gwillim, the Powys councillor responsible for countryside services, said: "This team is about enforcement, but we are also looking at improving provision and educating the motorised user in the use of our extensive public rights of way network."