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Club attacked

Bethan Dorsett
5/ 2/2008

A GREEN strewn with cans, divots and even burn marks greets Foxholes bowlers on a weekly basis.

Members of Rugby Road Bowling Club say the club is coming under attack by drunken yobs, who have damaged the green, attacked the pavilion and destroyed a fence.

President Jeff Dawson says the attacks have happened every Friday night over the past month.

"They leave empty beer cans on the green and have broken our fence at least three times," he said.

"Then last week, they started a fire under the verandah again. We found the charcoal that they used to light it.

"I think they were even playing golf because there were divots on the green."

"Fortunately, the damage can be repaired before the bowling season begins.

But Mr Dawson added: "It is upsetting for the members but it feels as though we’re piddling in the wind.

"It is bad enough trying to keep a bowling green in a good condition as it is."

Ward Councillor Ibrar Khan has also condemned the attacks and is urging anyone that has information about the perpetrators to contact the police.

He said: "These youngsters are just causing damage to the bowling green without a thought and it is just not fair.

"It is criminal damage and they need to be prosecuted."

There have been eight incidents reported at the club in the past six months, according to north Rochdale Inspector James Troisi.

He said: "We are aware of the problem and local officers have since met with representatives of the club.

"They will be meeting shortly to try and find a solution."