A BELEAGUERED bowling club has once again been targeted by vandals.

Damage to Close Park Bowling Club is becoming so regular that its chairman, Mr Jack Nuttall, believes someone may have a grudge against it.

The latest attack happened between 6pm on Saturday and 9.30am on Monday ( Sept 27), when Mr Nuttall discovered the result.

A stolen Vauxhall Cavalier had been rammed into the protective fencing surrounding the green.

Ironically the fencing, which cost around £11,000, was paid for by a generous local man who read about a previous attack by vandals.

It was in July of last year that a car was driven onto the green and set ablaze, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage to the turf.

Mr Nuttall said: "We don't enjoy playing behind steel fencing, but although it was very badly damaged at least this time the green was spared."

He added: "I have no idea what people get out of doing this. It's not as if there's any gain for them."

In July 1995 vandals set fire to the club's old pavilion, completely destroying it.

Fortunately the club secured £72,465 from the National Lottery's Sports Fund. This was added to an insurance payment and money from leisure services and enabled them to build a new £120,000 pavilion.

Speaking of the plague of vandalism, Mr Nuttall said: "It seems that every time we try and improve the club someone comes along who is determined to spoil it. It's got to the stage now where I'm beginning to wonder if someone has got it in for us or bears a personal grudge."

The green is used by the whole community and Mr Nuttall cannot understand why such a peaceful pastime as bowling should attract such animosity.

He said: "I am going to suggest to Bury Council that they put concrete bollards on the approach to the green to stop cars getting close."

A temporary fence has been erected at the damaged section until Bury Council decides whether it can be repaired or will have to be replaced.

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