Vandals set fire to riverside boardwalk

A riverside boardwalk in Newtown damaged by fire has been repaired by Open Newtown.

The boardwalk, funded by Natural Resources Wales, was vandalised in what appears to be a deliberate fire. According to a report to Newtown Town Council's Services Committee, Open Newtown completed repairs using materials salvaged from a previous incident.

A resident also alerted the team to deteriorating wooden steps nearby that were initially installed by Walking Newtown. Open Newtown has contacted the group to see if it can help with additional repairs.

Maintenance crews also discovered evidence of unauthorised camping along the riverbank during the work. Abandoned tents, tarpaulins and metal framework from a garden marquee had been discarded in hedgerows. 

The report said contractors have been instructed to remove the waste at Open Newtown's expense.

The riverside path network forms a crucial part of Newtown's outdoor recreation facilities, connecting various parts of the town along the River Severn.

Open Newtown, a not-for-profit business, manages 130 acres of green space in Newtown on behalf of the town council and Powys County Council.