Welshpool tax payer faces huge bill after shocking vandalism

Welshpool tax payers could be having to dig deep after shocking vandalism was discovered over the weekend at the former Victoria Bowling Club on the historic Motte and Bailey site opposite Tesco.

The area is the responsibility of Welshpool Town Council to maintain, but has fallen into a sorry state through years of being unused since the bowling club closed down.

In the next few years, the Town Council will need to return the site back to its owners, Powis Estates, in the condition that it was first leased, but in recent days vandals have caused thousands of pounds of damage, enraging town officials.

Windows have been smashed and it appears the vandals have tried to gain access to the closed building by ripping off the roof and kicking through holes.

“I was asked this morning what I felt about the vandalism to the old Victoria Bowling club? I have to admit it makes me angry, but more so I am deeply saddened by it,” said Cllr Nick Howells, Chair of the Town Council’s Property and Services Committee.

“Why anyone would purposely cause thousands of pounds worth of criminal damage to an historic building is beyond me. Myself and others are doing our best to move the town forward. This type of wanton vandalism is the last thing that Welshpool needs.”

The Town Council is keen to offload the site for the rest of its lease term, and a recently-registered charity called Welsh Bikers for Suicide Prevention said they would be willing to take it on as a hub. Part of the agreement would be to carry out some of the renovation work at the site.

However, there has been some opposition to the proposal, with councillors delaying a decision at the last meeting it was discussed at to a future date.