A Newtown resident has been left “distressed and upset” after she was verbally abused by a person who refused to move away from her family’s gravestone.

The unsettling encounter at St Mary’s Church in Newtown town centre also included offensive behaviour such as spitting and vaping after the woman asked the person to not sit on the gravestone.

Newtown councillor Margaret Lewington emphasised at a recent town council meeting that there is a growing perception by some that St Mary's Church is being misused and stressed the urgency to try to address and stop such bad behaviours.

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Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council said it is “deeply concerned” over recent incidents of anti-social behaviour and vandalism, particularly in areas maintained by the Town Council, including at public facilities such as the public toilets and St Mary's Church.

The Town Council has urged residents to report any suspicious activities, and if a crime is being committed to report it to police.

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“Your Town Council recognises the importance of safeguarding these sites and providing public facilities and is calling on residents to be vigilant so that increased community awareness and engagement might contribute to a safer and more secure environment for everyone,” a spokesperson for the council said.

“While those engaging in anti-social behaviour constitute a small minority, the impact of their actions reverberates throughout the entire community.”

For many years police officers have appealed for the public’s help in tracking down people who cause damage to the listed building which is located behind the Elephant and Castle Hotel.