A CRICKET club in Bournemouth had its equipment torched in an act of “mindless vandalism”.
Winton Cricket Club members are “devastated” after the nets they use at Slades Farm were burnt by arsonists.
The kit was installed just six months ago but the nets are now 'completely unusable'.
Adam Clifford manages the under 9s and 10s teams at the club, which his sons also attend.
He said: “The cricket season has only just started, and the kids' training has started outdoors, but because of this they haven’t been able to use the nets.
“They were a facility and training tool that the club had saved up hard for. It frustrates me, because the club invest in that sort of thing, and kids think it is acceptable to trash it.”
The incident which is believed to have happened overnight on Saturday, April 29, has already had a huge impact on its members.
- Read more: Firefighters called to Bourne Valley Park in Poole for fire
Adam added: “People don’t realise the implications damaging the nets has on the club. It’s not just the costs.
“The club is to help with the local community, and training kids in cricket, and all we’re trying to do is improve our own facilities and training.
“Mindless vandalism like this prevents us from progressing as a club.”
Winton Cricket Club has launched a Just Giving page to raise money to replace the damaged nets.
More than £800 has been donated so far but the club needs £2,500 in total to buy the replacement equipment.
Adam is determined to replace the nets but fears the club could be targeted again in the future.
He said: “The nets are like a big metal structure, which from a storage point of view, can’t be stored anywhere other than the out in the open, unfortunately.
“We have to use public recreation grounds, where there’s general access to the public. What is to say that if we replace these nets, it won’t happen again?”
Dorset Police have confirmed receiving reports of the arson attack, however, no arrests have been made.
To donate, search 'Weʼre raising £2,500 to Help to restore burnt cricket nets' on the JustGiving website or click here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel