Appeal after vandals damage new netting at Treeton Cricket Club

THE hunt is on for “mindless” vandals who attacked new catch nets at a cricket club, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The culprits are thought to have taken gas lighters to a large section of Treeton CC's 15ft structure, erected only a few months ago at a cost of £32,000.

It is a blow to the club, which tapped into a grant of nearly £27,000 from the FCC Communities Foundation for the nets only a few months ago to enhance the ground and protect neighbouring properties and residents. The bill was also met with the help of a £3,000 contribution from Banks Renewables, the firm associated with the nearby Penny Hill Wind Farm at Ulley.

The netting just after installation.

Club trustee Keith Haynes said: “It is just mindless, wanton vandalism. What do these people think they're gaining from this?

“They have damaged about a third of the netting and it will cost between £7,000 and £8,000 to replace.

“The reason we applied for grants in the first place was to meet the cost. Now we have to find money to put this right and that is a major problem.”

Police are investigating and CCTV is being examined from when the incident took place in the early hours of Thursday, July 30.

Keith added: “This is a blow to local residents as well as the club itself and it is not the first time we have had problems with vandals.

“We need people to keep their eyes and ears open and help us catch these people.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101 or Treeton CC on 0114 2692135.