Thieves rip out artificial turf at Porthill Park Cricket Club
Thieves have ripped out specialist artificial turf from a £33,000 training centre used by young cricketers. The nets were set up at Porthill Park Cricket Club around a month ago following a fund-raising drive.
But yobs cut up one of the lanes used to help build youngsters' confidence in the sport.
Since news of the theft broke, former England captain Michael Vaughan has even Tweeted his support saying: "This is disgusting…please someone let the club know who's done this."
Chairman Craig Chorlton was left baffled after discovering a piece of artificial turf measuring 20ft by 6ft was missing.
Craig, who has been involved with the club for 15 years, said: "It is specialist flooring and the part they targeted is used by the young cricketers. I don't know what they will do with it. The gates for the nets were locked and I think whoever has done it must have come to have a look before doing it."
"It's very bizarre how they have cut out one section - but for us we need to have the whole thing re-done. There must have been at least two thieves due to the weight."
"It is used to get young cricketers used to hard ball. This type of artificial turf can't be bought in the shops and it is specialist."
The club raised around £5,000 for the nets by holding events and applying for grants from Red Industries and local councillors.
While the nets cost around £33,000 a further £4,000 was spent to make them secure.
Craig said: "The support we have received has been amazing and I have been told how our Tweet has been shared hundreds of times. The other clubs around the area have been fantastic too."
Groundsman Ian Plant has also been left disappointed by the theft.