Sports complex hit (From Warrington Guardian)

Sports complex hit

by vandalism - again

KNIGHTS Grange Sports Complex suffered its third spate of vandalism in a month when yobs smashed windows at the leisure facility.

Three youths were cautioned earlier in February for tearing across three golfing greens and fairways on a motorbike, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage. Days later, the cricket pitch at the course was vandalised in the same fashion.

Then last Sunday, February 15, between 8pm and 8.20pm, vandals used a metal refuse bin to shatter nine windows at the popular complex, with the cost of replacing the windows estimated to be around £400.

A spokeswoman for Vale Royal Borough Council this week made an urgent appeal for anyone who could help police with their inquiries to volunteer information.

She said: "Knights Grange Sports Complex has been targeted by vandalism in recent weeks, this has involved a number of young people throwing objects that broke nine windows and motorbikes being driven recklessly over the golf course.

"These mindless acts of vandalism only lower the reputation of the area and wastes valuable time and money.

"Vale Royal Borough Council and the police would like people to come forward with any information on who is committing these acts of vandalism."

Town councillor Peter Gannon said: "There's going to be no answer to this until the people responsible are got hold of and made an example.

"Every day there seems to be something going on around here - we had another car set alight on Saturday night on Basford Way.

"The police are doing the best with the resources they have got and so are the magistrates, but it just doesn't seem good enough at the moment."

Anyone who can help with information should call Cheshire Police on 01606 48000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where information can be left anonymously.

rfraser@guardiangrp.co.uk