YOUNG athletes have been left without anywhere to train after thieves stole vital equipment from their base.

Burglars stole a net used for hammer and discus throwing from Bolton United Harriers’ training ground at Leverhulme Park in Long Road, Breightmet.

The heavy duty net, which is about 30ft by 30ft, must be used when athletes train and compete in those events, to stop other people at the training ground being hit.

The club has had to stop the athletes training and move competitions it was due to host to other venues, including the second leg of the Young Athletes League on May 17, which has had to be transferred to Leigh Sports Village.

Chris Makin, the young athletes team manager, said: “The kids are really quite upset about it. Some of them have stopped coming down because they can’t train for their events. It’s a real setback for them.

“These youngsters are doing something positive in their spare time, and are committing themselves to athletics, but whoever has stolen this net is preventing them from doing it.

“It is almost like they are being punished for what they are doing. I don’t know what they could possibly use it for.

“It’s happened right at the start of the season so this will affect them for the whole of it.”

She appealed to anyone who knew where the net was to return it to the athletics track or to contact her on 01204 398974 so that someone from the club can collect it.

Scott Whittle, chairman of Bolton United Harriers, said: “We’ve had problems with the net being vandalised recently but now it has been stolen. It is very disappointing for our club and for our members. We will be looking to get it rectified as soon as possible but we don’t know how long it will take at the present time.”

A police spokesman confirmed they were investigating the theft.