VANDALS have mindlessly damaged the nets at Avoncroft Cricket Club, following years of fundraising efforts to have them installed.
The nets, which cost thousands of pounds, were desperately needed after the old nets were no longer fit for purpose.
“We have more than 100 youngsters play here every summer, but acts like this one set the club further back each time,” said bar manager Ian Astley.
“It’s not the first time we have had trouble with vandalism either.
“The square is roped off but the rope has been cut and the signs damaged, leading to dogs and their owners running all over it.
“People are treating it as a place to exercise, when it’s not; it’s private property.”
Ian, who has been at the club for over 40 years, added that most people in the community do report vandalism if they see it.
But that the ‘small minority of people ruin it for everyone else’ by committing the bizarre acts.
The net, which has seen 18 inches cut from it, was damaged sometime over the Christmas period.
Police are aware of the incident and can be contacted by ringing 101 and quoting crime number 22-108210-20.
Motion cameras will be installed on the nets this weekend to deter vandals.
