Understand
Kids' football pitch in Huncoat damaged by vandals on motorbikes
Overview
A children's football pitch used by Huncoat United Junior Football Club at Bolton Avenue Recreation Ground has been left unplayable for six months after vandals on motorbikes and e-bikes caused significant damage with deep tyre tracks. The club estimates it will cost approximately £80,000 to fix and secure its pitches, leaving young players unable to use the facility until late spring.
Key points
- Vandals on motorbikes and e-bikes caused significant damage to a new seven-a-side pitch used by Huncoat United Junior Football Club.
- The club stated that repairing and securing its two pitches at Bolton Avenue Recreation Ground will cost about £80,000.
- Treasurer John Stitt explained that the deep ruts are dangerous and it is too late in the year to resow the grass, keeping the club out until late spring.
- The affected pitch was recently built to replace the club's former ground, which was cleared for the £3bn Haweswater Aqueduct upgrade project.
- Welfare officer Jennifer Barlow highlighted the heavy financial and community impact on the grassroots club, which has very limited funds.