More sports facilities vandalised

Another local sports club is counting the cost as the summer of mindless vandalism to local sports facilities continues.

Following incidents at Waterloo Rovers and Berriew football clubs as well as Welshpool Rugby Club since the start of the summer holidays, Guilsfield Netball Club is the latest to report that equipment has been damaged beyond repair.

The club had only purchased their new equipment this year “after saving money over the years” and the Monday night league has been thriving.

But last night players turned up to find the damage which is becoming a depressingly recurring theme this summer.   

“Unfortunately, when we arrived to set up for last night’s league we were extremely disappointed to find damage to the netball posts and storage container,” said Abbie Evans.

“Guilsfield Netball Club had saved money over the years in order to purchase brand new posts ready for the start of this year’s league. To turn up last night to find our new posts had been damaged, is very upsetting. Screws and bolts being removed and thrown on the floor, and the nets completely ripped off the posts is not acceptable! 

“We also have a strong, padlocked container to store equipment in over the weeks of the league. Again, this has been vandalised! The top of the container now has very large cracks on, as if it has been jumped on multiple times causing it to be opened without the use of the padlock.

“As a result, the container is no longer able to be used as it is not secure in storing the equipment, and it is dangerous for netball players to use.”

Abbie has made a plea for those responsible to come clean and pay for the damage, but also urged anyone with information to come forward.

“We have no additional funds to replace the nets and container and we would appreciate if this was you, you come forward and replace the damages you have caused.”

PICTURE (by Owain Betts): Guilsfield Tennis Courts which are used by the Netball Club.