COUNCILLORS in Llanfyllin have shared their concerns about 'long-standing' drug issues in the town after a police operation saw a five-figure haul of heroin taken off the streets.

At a meeting of the town council this month, held remotely via Zoom, the area's new PCSO Sarah Pocock introduced herself to members, and discussed recent operations.

PCSO Pocock, whose beat stretches from Guilsfield to Llansilin, told councillors of a successful recent operation which saw a large quantity of class A drugs seized in the town and taken off the streets in Llanfyllin.

In February three people were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply, and heroin worth an estimated £13,000 was seized.

Both Cllr Ann Williams and Cllr Peter Lewis talked of a long-standing drugs presence in the town, with Cllr Lewis adding that he was concerned about the class of drugs now being found and the age of those involved.

He added: "It's very worrying."

Other councillors asked what could be done about 'county lines' drug dealing, how issues could be reported and how to spot if youngsters in the town were becoming involved.

PCSO Pocock said members of the public could report incidents or concerns to the police anonymously adding, "it's a case of looking at the signs, any changes in behaviour".

She added that another police operation is currently taking place related to coronavirus travel restrictions, with people travelling through Llanfyllin to reach local beauty spots such as Pistyll Rhaeadr

"There has been people who have been going to the lakes, and they do travel through and stop off in Llanfyllin", she said.

"People have travelled from Birmingham and tickets have been issued."