Broken bottles and rubbish are being left in the grounds of a Mid Wales infants school by groups of people consuming alcohol, police said today.

Welshpool neighbourhood police team said it had received a number of calls about incidents of anti-social behaviour in Ardwyn Nursery and Infants School in Red Bank in the town.

Sian George, Dyfed-Powys Police spokeswoman, said: “There are ongoing incidents of anti-social behaviour at the school with groups consuming alcohol.

“This has resulted in large amounts of broken glass bottles and litter being left on the premises.

“We would ask residents who live within the vicinity of the school to contact the police if they can see any gangs in the school grounds while it is closed.

“They should also report any incidents of anti-social behaviour taking place in the school or the vicinity to the Neighbourhood Policing Team.”

The school declined to comment on the problems today.

John Evans, communications manager for Powys County Council, the local education authority, said: “We do get problems on school premises from time to time and would urge all members of the public who are aware of issues like this to report them to the police.”

Councillor Alan Crowe, Welshpool Town Council member for the area, has condemned the behaviour.

“Things like this are a blight all round Welshpool,” he said.

“It’s terrible to leave a mess like this, particularly where little children are going to play.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 08453 302000.