POTENTIALLY malicious and intentional damage caused to newly installed traffic calming structures, has been reported to the police, a county council has said.

The new measures have recently been put in place on the B4357 in Whitton, between Old Radnor, near Kington, and Knighton.

The work was done after information from Dyfed-Powys Police and consultation with the local community council, Powys County Council said.

A spokesperson said during a nearby speed monitoring exercise, the police noted drivers were not complying with the mandatory stop signs and lines at the crossroads, which is the site of several previous accidents, including one resulting in a fatality.

The same traffic calming layout has been used successfully in a number of locations throughout the county to reduce the speed of traffic and improve safety for all road users.

Nigel Brinn, Powys County Council’s corporate director for economy and environment, said: “We are extremely disappointed to hear about the potentially deliberate damaged caused to the new safety structures in Whitton.”

"Installations such as these are intended to improve safety for all road users and are introduced after a consultation with the local community council and as part of our road safety schemes.

“Following this incident, which was reported to us by a member of the public, we have had to make the site safe and will be looking to repair the damage, all resulting in additional resources and costs to the taxpayer.

“We encourage anyone with any information regarding the damage to contact the police to help them with their enquiries.”