THOUGHTLESS yobs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to Padiham Cricket Club after going on a “wrecking spree”.

Benches were smashed, guttering ripped down, roof tile edging damaged and a fire started after the club was rampaged between Friday night and the early hours of Saturday morning.

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Club officials believe that the damage was caused by drunk youths who had been to the grounds on the Friday night after they found smashed bottles around the pavilion.

Secretary of the sports club, and cricket club member Alan Smith said that it is not the first time the club has been the target of this kind of vandalism.

He said: “We believe that this attack has been caused by thoughtless yobs who have been up here getting drunk and then set about on a wrecking spree.

“Benches had been broken, the wooden slats on the benches had been put through, the rain water guttering had been ripped off and they’d damaged the side of the roof.

“Although they haven’t broken into the pavilion they have caused hundreds of pounds of damage and it has been a great inconvenience as our members have had to spend hours cleaning up and fixing the mess they made.

“Incidents like this are becoming an all too regular occurrence with the cricket and football clubs on the losing side of a never-ending battle.”

The cricket club and the football ground was set up in memory of people who lost their lives in the Second World War and is for the future generations to use.

“It is nonsensical that these people would think to damage the facility, which is for the use of the community and run by volunteers,” Mr Smith added.

“We have CCTV up at the club and police are currently investigating the footage.

We would urge anyone who sees anything suspicious activity to contact us and the police.

A police spokesman said: “We had a report of criminal damage at Padiham Cricket Club, which had taken place overnight from Friday into Saturday.

“We are investigating the incident and are appealing for anyone with information to contact the police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.”

Padiham CC are founder members of The Ribblesdale Cricket League.

It was founded in 1891. Land was bought at the Arbories, and in 1948, Padiham CC re-opened with the ground dedicated as a memorial to the Second World War victims.