A BMX track is planning to crowdfund to raise enough cash so that a fence can be built to keep out vandals.

The day after a company stepped in to repair damage to the track on Little Common Lane in Kimberworth, vandals struck again causing even more damage.

Now the volunteers who run the track - which caters for 30 to 40 children each week – need to raise £55,000 to build a fence around the site to stop future attacks on the facilities.

The police and council have become involved to try and help find a solution to the vandalism.

placeholder image — MINDLESS: Arson damage at the BMX track

Carole Foster said that the track – run entirely by volunteers – had reopened four years ago and provides 12,000 sessions to children each year. It also runs regular British Cycling races.

“We have just had a really bad spate of three incidents,” said Carole.

She said that construction business Galliford Try had stepped in to help and provided tarmac.

But the vandals struck the same night and caused damage yet again by lighting a fire on the tarmac.

Carole said that crowdfunding is to be organised to try and raise money for a fence around the site.

She said that running the facility and holding events did not bring in my much money for the track so extra funding was needed to try and stop the vandalism.

“Everything we do has to be paid for by the volunteers or paid for by the children,” said Carole.

“We have to be sustainable as a group.”

South Yorkshire Police said the force was aware of the vandalism.

Neighbourhood inspector John Crapper, said: “We are aware of recent reports of vandalism and general anti-social behaviour in Kimberworth Park. Our officers regularly patrol the area, and incorporate it in our problem-solving policing plans.

“Following the most recent report, our officers have checked the surrounding CCTV and are progressing forward with enquiries.

“Our work is ongoing around this, and we know some recent incidents have caused some concern. We would encourage anyone with information regarding who may be committing these acts to please come forward and report it to us so we can investigate accordingly.”

Rotherham Borough Council’s service director for community safety and street scene, Sam Barstow, said: “We are aware of the vandalism to the BMX facility in Kimberworth, and are working closely with South Yorkshire Police, facility operators, and local partners to address the issue.

“The council does not tolerate any type of anti-social behaviour. We have increased enforcement presence in the area and are working with partners to improve site security.

“We are committed to protecting the facility for the benefit of local residents by exploring and implementing longer-term preventative measures where possible.”