Motorbike vandals have ruined football pitches in an East Lancashire township, postponing some matches.
The damage over the weekend to surfaces at Huncoat’s Bolton Avenue Playing Fields was discovered by Hyndburn Council staff on Monday.
It was caused by motorbikes being ridden across the pitches, leaving deep ruts and churned up turf, making the pitches unplayable and unsafe.
The damage has caused Huncoat United Junior Football Club to abandon training sessions and postpone or find alternative venues for matches.
Its volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the pitches, now face the task of repairing the extensive and costly damage caused.
Councillors and the club are asking anyone with any information on the incident to contact the police, who have been notified about it, online or by ringing 101.
John Stitt, treasurer of Huncoat United Junior FC, said: "We’re devastated by the vandalism.
“This is more than just a pitch, it’s where our young players build confidence and friendships.
“Volunteers work tirelessly to keep the club going, and damage like this feels like a real blow to everything we’re trying to achieve for children in Huncoat.”
Hyndburn Council’s sports boss Cllr Kimberley Whitehead said: “This kind of vandalism is unacceptable.
“These pitches are maintained by volunteers for the benefit of the community.
“A single reckless act can undo months of hard work and deny young people the safe, local facilities they deserve.
“We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour that damages community assets.
“The public have come forward with some names of potential offenders, which have been passed on to the police.”
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Huncoat ward’s Cllr Dave Parkins said: "Anyone who witnesses motorbikes being ridden illegally on public playing fields is urged to report it immediately.
“Our community facilities must be protected, and those responsible for damaging them must understand the consequences of their actions.”
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