'Mindless idiot' bikers rip up football pitches in Smithills

Six motorbikes and two quadbikes were seen causing damage at the pitches in Smithills which a youth football club has spent £40,000 on this year.

The bikers left “trench marks” on the Captain’s Clough side of the field, but were also seen riding near to the the pavilion.

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Moss Bank Junior Football Club secretary Andrew Kearney described the act of vandalism as “soul destroying”.

He said: “It’s just a bit disheartening that we spent about £40,000 on materials to maintain them.”

A post on the club's Facebook page described the vandals as "mindless idiots".

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Neighbouring residents contacted the club on social media on Tuesday alerting them to the presence of bikers on the pitch.

But according to Mr Kearney, this is not the first time offenders have been seen on bikes in the area.

Similar damage was caused to the site on previous occasions, but a higher number of bikers this time, meant the damage was more severe.

He described the supportive response from the local community as “overwhelming” and said that some members of the public have informed the police of the incident.

He added: “We know kids are kids. We don’t stop kids playing on the pitches when they’re not involved with the club. But this is just about respect.”

Earlier this year, Moss Bank invested in equipment including a tractor, cutting decks and rakes, used to regularly maintain the pitches.

Seven volunteers work on the pitches every week using the equipment bought with a grant from the Football Foundation as well as the club’s fundraising efforts.

The club, which has more than 380 members and 30 current teams, is hoping the damage will be repaired before the next fixture on January 5.

Teams range from under-7s to under-21s and the club also has a vets team for over-30s. When the teams are not playing, anyone can use the pitches.