Officers to discuss fires with farmers

Farmers are to meet police officers amid concerns over a spate of arson attacks in the Mid Wales and Oswestry area.

The Montgomeryshire branch of the National Farmers' Union (NFU) Cymru has called the meeting in Welshpool for police to give an update on their investigations into the fires, which include four in and around Forden in six weeks.

Police believe the fires - which have caused thousands of pounds of damage to farms - were started deliberately.

The talks will be held at the Royal Oak Hotel, The Cross, Welshpool, and will start at 7pm.

Inspector Paul Ridley and members of his community police team, from Dyfed-Powys Police, will meet and inform NFU Cymru members on the progress of their investigation.

Bobby Morgan, NFU Cymru county chairman for Montgomeryshire, said: "We are grateful Mr Ridley and his team are coming to meet local farmers next Monday.

"These fires have worried many farmers in the community and any advice and information will be welcomed by members."

Police have said their investigations are continuing into the fires, many of which have been centred around Forden.

Following the talks with the police, representatives of the Welsh Assembly Government will address the meeting to outline options for change to the Tir Mynydd Scheme and agri-environment schemes.