'Wanton vandalism' as wheels snatched from goal on Bransgore Youth Football Club

“WANTON vandalism” – those were the words used to describe damage to two goals recently bought for Bransgore Youth Football Club.

Offenders targeted the gear, which cost around £3,500, removing wheels used to move it around the pitch at the village recreation ground in Burley Road.

Club committee member Phil Dupres told the A&T it was now no longer able to use the goal until new wheels can be fitted.

The goals had been bought to enable the young players to more easily move them into place.

“We’re now unable to use it,” Mr Dupres said. “They’re quite heavy as a structure anyway, and with the two wheels taken from one side, you can’t move it.

“Luckily, it’s the end of the season, but it’s not so much that but the fact that this is wanton vandalism for no reason.

“The club will now have to go to more expense to find new wheels and attach them to the goal.”

Mr Dupres pointed out Bransgore Youth FC was funded by sponsorship, subscriptions and the money made by its tournaments.

The 40-year-old club provides football training and facilities to 164 youngsters in Bransgore and surrounding areas.

The goal damage was the latest in a spate of vandalism that has plagued the recreation ground over the past year.

Incidents have included electronic keypad locks ripped from changing room doors at the parish council-owned multi-use games area (muga), which has also had floodlights smashed.

The trouble, linked to disruptive youths, prompted the council to enhance security at the site, including CCTV.

Urging the offenders to return the goal wheels, Mr Dupres stressed their actions only harmed fellow local youngsters.The club hoped the goal will be repaired in time for pre-season training in the summer.