MEMBERS of a popular trampoline club could be permanently grounded after New Year revellers caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to their training centre.
Four windows at Jump UK, in St Peter's Street, Blackburn, were smashed with empty bottles in a late night attack on either New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, while the centre's fencing was also ripped up and thrown into the building.
The unit now looks set to be closed for weeks as each shard of glass is picked up before children, who practice barefooted, are allowed back in.
Chris Todd, the centre's manager, said the setback could prove financially fatal for the club, which only moved to Blackburn from Darwen Leisure Centre four months ago.
He said such 'mindless' vandalism could spell disaster for local trampolining fans, who come from throughout Lancashire and compete across Britain and Europe.
Mr Todd gave a rallying cry to the parents of the 150 members to give Jump UK a lifeline and help the clear up.
He said: "This could very well put us out of business. I came down to try and get the centre ready for some courses and was greeted with this.
"Slithers of glass are everywhere. I am going to have to get every piece and slither off the floor and we may have to shut simply because we cannot get rid of the glass.
"The chances of staying open are very, very slim.
"Financially, we're looking at a couple of hundred pounds to replace the glass, but we will lose money because we are shut while we do that.
"It's going to have to be cleaned five or six times at least, then we'll have to pay for an industrial cleaner.
"I'm annoyed because this is a facility for local kids and not a business to make money. They are the ones who will suffer.
"It's frustrating, too, because we had been going successfully since the move and had put a lot of effort in.
"We understand it's New Year, but this is just mindless.
"They've just ripped up the fencing from the front and thrown it through the windows along with empty bottles.
"It's not just the club -- it's my livelihood that's in doubt. I became a full-time coach with the move and this is my only source of income."
The attack is being investigated by police.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article