Bolton Avenue Playing Fields Damaged by Motorbikes
Hyndburn Borough Council has been made aware of significant damage caused to the community football pitches at Bolton Avenue Playing Fields, following reports of motorbikes being ridden across the playing surfaces.
Home to Huncoat United Junior Football Club, deep ruts and churned-up turf have left the pitches unsafe and could force young people and local teams off the fields they rely on for training and matches. Volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain these pitches now face the disheartening task of repairing extensive, costly damage that occurred as a result of this act.
Image: Damage to football pitch ay Bolton Avenue caused by motorbikes
Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Sport condemned the behaviour. She said:
“This kind of vandalism is unacceptable. These pitches are maintained by volunteers for the benefit of the community. A single reckless act can undo months of hard work and deny young people the safe, local facilities they deserve. We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour that damages community assets. The public have come forward with some names of potential offenders, which have been passed on to the Police.”
Councillor Dave Parkins, Ward Councillor for Huncoat said:
“Anyone who witnesses motorbikes being ridden illegally on public playing fields is urged to report it immediately. Our community facilities must be protected, and those responsible for damaging them must understand the consequences of their actions.”
As a result of the damage, scheduled football matches for many of Huncoat United’s junior teams will likely have to be postponed or change venue over the next few weeks whilst repairs are made to the pitches.
John Stitt, Treasurer of Huncoat United Junior FC said:
“We’re devastated by the vandalism. This is more than just a pitch, it’s where our young players build confidence and friendships. Volunteers work tirelessly to keep the club going, and damage like this feels like a real blow to everything we’re trying to achieve for children in Huncoat.”
Anyone with any information about the damage caused is asked to report it online at https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/ or call 101.