VOLUNTEERS at a sports centre in West Howe have been left angry after a group of youths rode scooters over a playing field. 

On Monday and Tuesday, October 3 and 4, both between 10.30pm and 11pm, a group of around five youths aged between 13 and 15 gained access to Fernheath playing field and damaged the grass leaving it in need of urgent attention.

Steve Mowlem, one of several volunteers at the playing field, said the youths have been “very disrespectful”. 

Bournemouth Echo: Fernheath playing fieldFernheath playing field (Image: NQ)

He said: “For some time we have had bikes going on the field and damaging it. We are a team of volunteers who put hard work into the field. 

“This is the sort of thing we have to put up with; kids coming along, riding mopeds on the grass. Typical kids. They’re so disrespectful.” 

Steve said the volunteers are given a small budget to maintain the field and the recently built £780,000 sports centre. 

“We don’t get paid; we have a very small budget and we rent out football pitches to earn money which goes back into the site. 

Bournemouth Echo: Fernheath sports centreFernheath sports centre (Image: NQ)

“We spend the money on grass seed at the end of the season, which has only just started, and the kids are already damaging it.  

“We have everything from electric scooters to scrambler bikes going on the field and messing it up.” 

It takes Steve and the other volunteers a week to repair the damage done to the field and he also fears for the new sports centre.  

“I dread the thought that someone will come along and deface it. Give it time, somebody will come along with a spray can,” Steve added. 

Bournemouth Echo: The new £780,000 sports centreThe new £780,000 sports centre (Image: NQ)

We contacted Cllr Norman Decent, ward councillor for Kinson, for a comment who asked us to contact fellow ward councillors Cllr Duane Farr and Cllr Laurence Fear.

Cllr Duane Farr said he works closely with Steve, adding: "We are deeply disappointed to hear what has happened to the football pitch as will our local residents be who use and enjoy the facilities.  

"Going forward we will continue to work alongside the neighbourhood policing team on the ground and raise ASB concerns higher with David Sidwick – Dorset PCC”.