Shildon Sports and Social Club’s committee and members find themselves both frustrated and annoyed as the facilities at the Hackworth Road premises have been targeted by vandals in recent weeks.
Firstly, sections of the green metal perimeter fence were taken down and then a large section of the wooden fence, which forms the boundary of the cricket pitch, was taken.
A spokesman for the club told the Crier: “Parts of the cricket boundary fence were taken last year, and new practice cricket nets had only been erected for a few days when large sections were cut off and removed.
“These materials would be very useful in gardens and allotments, so we’re asking people to please keep an eye out for them.
“Our grounds are extensive and, unfortunately, not all areas are covered by CCTV.
“The cost to repair and replace these items is a real drain on our resources. We are here for the people of Shildon and proud to be a part of the community.
“The overwhelming majority of folk are good law-abiding people, who help their neighbours and those who are vulnerable.
“We provide facilities for bowls with several teams playing in leagues, cricket with two senior teams and have a vibrant football section with a senior team and 60-100 junior members running teams across the age groups.
“As well as running a weekly Pensioners’ Bingo, the Shildon Community buses are also parked here.
“Sadly, it is these things that suffer in the long run, when we must divert funds to cover such unnecessary costs.
“We believe that someone out there must know who are the perpetrators of these crimes.
“We hope that they will come forward with information, either to us or the police, and help to put an end to these criminal actions which blight our community.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
