Vandals dig holes in Wyrley Juniors football club pitches

Wyrley Juniors FC has been fundraising to raise the cash for new pitches at its £1.15 million revamped base in Long Lane, Newtown.

But bosses at the club, which has 700 footballers on its books, said the attack had now put the development back. Around 60 holes were dug into the pitches and a sign was also stolen.

Bosses believe a spade was used to dig the holes but the full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.

Father-of-two Bill Hickenbottom, who is the treasurer and one of the founders of the 32-year-old club, said a local resident discovered the vandalism and reported it to a club member.

The 74-year-old, of Great Wyrley, said: "It's mindless vandalism. It's freezing weather and the ground is rock hard, but they have managed to dig it up all over. We have had a few break-ins before."

Essington councillor David Clifft, who is an executive member of the football club, has called the incident "worrying".

A sign worth £200, which displayed the club's name, was also recently taken from the site. But the club's bosses have said it has made them more determined than ever to push ahead with their plans and open their new pitches in time for next season.

The grand total needed for the four new pitches – two full-size and two junior – is £165,000. Around £115,000 has already been raised and the FA's Football Foundation is contributing 80 per cent of the remainder which leaves the committee £11,000 to find over the next seven months.

It is believed the vandals struck overnight on Monday. Police are appealing for information to help with their investigation.

Staffordshire Police spokesman Pete Bate said: "We are waiting to see if we can get CCTV footage from neighbouring properties and would urge anyone with information to come forward." Anyone with information should call 101 and quote incident reference number 402 of February 12.