A FOOTBALL club secretary has called for tougher laws to curb the yobs who repeatedly target his club.

Frank Anderson, secretary of Atherton Collieries, believes the police are powerless to stop burglars from raiding his team's clubhouse.

In the past fortnight alone, the premises have been broken into twice.

It has become so regular that the club has kept two windows boarded-up and is considering bricking-up a side door.

In the latest incident this week, burglars smashed their way into the club house and stole a cash till and six bottles of spirits.

Mr Anderson said: "We are under constant siege and it means we are channelling our resources into something other than football.

"There was hardly anything in the till but the whole thing ended up costing more than £100 because of the damage done.

"For a club like ours that's quite a lot of money. We're seen as an easy touch because we're off the beaten track.

"I'd like to see greater powers in the court. The last lad to appear in court for breaking in to our clubhouse only got community service. It's a bit of a joke and seems to suggest crime pays."

Atherton Colls plays host to six teams including Bolton Wanderers' Girls, three junior teams which play in the Bolton Boys Federation, and two adult teams which take part in the North-West Counties League First Division.

In the past, yobs have thrown beer barrels through the clubhouse's windows and have littered broken bottles across the pitch.

Police have been informed about the incidents at the club and are investigating.