The Household Recycling Centre at Lower Cwmtwrch will remain closed following a significant break-in which saw skips and waste material stolen from the site.

Powys County Council said the facility was forced to close after equipment was stolen and extensive disruption was caused across the recycling centre.

Dyfed-Powys Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

A force spokesperson said: "Officers are investigating a theft of skips and waste material from Lower Cwmtwrch Recycling Centre that occurred between 6pm to 10pm on Monday, June 8, and 3pm to 9.30pm Tuesday, June 9.

"Investigating officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the industrial estate area prior to or during this time, or who has information which could help their investigation, to get in touch."

Police officers are currently carrying out forensic investigations at the site, while a full clean-up operation will be required before it can safely reopen. The council added that stolen stock would also need to be replaced.

Residents with existing bookings have been contacted directly and arrangements are being made to reopen the centre as soon as possible.

In the meantime, residents needing to use recycling services are being advised to visit the Household Recycling Centre in Brecon.

Powys County Council's cabinet member for legal and regulatory services, Richard Church, said the incident was both "highly unusual" and serious.

“This has been a highly unusual and serious incident, and I fully understand the inconvenience this will cause for residents who rely on the Lower Cwmtwrch recycling centre,” he said.

“We are working closely with the police and our contractor to ensure the site is made safe, fully restored before it reopens. It is important that we take the time to do this properly so that we can minimise the risk of anything like this happening again.

“In the meantime, I would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding. Bryson Recycling, which operates the site on behalf of the council, has also expressed its apologies.”

The council said further updates would be provided as work to restore the site continues.