VANDALS causing havoc at a bowling club have forced a major tournament to be switched to another venue.

Fred-up members of Highfield Bowling Club, Blackburn, have re-routed their league competition to Queen's Park after persistent damage by young thugs.

The vandals have been cycling on the greens and digging holes in the turf. They have also upset women members with constant verbal abuse.

Jackie Boardman, secretary of the Blackburn Ladies' Bowling League and a Highfield member, said: "They are making life a misery and we don't seem to be getting anywhere. "Something needs to be done to keep out these kids. They are getting in through the railings and we can't do anything about it.

"Lots of bowling greens suffer vandalism but we seem to get more than most.

"Members pay £17 for a season ticket and we can't even play.

"The vandals have been sticking things in the turf, cycling on the greens and the ground is just too bumpy to play properly.

"They have also been throwing stones through the club window from the outside the ground."

She is urging Blackburn Council to take measures to improve security .

A Blackburn Council spokesman said: "Vandalism has been taking place at several bowling greens and there are a range of things we are doing to try and stop it."

He said park watch groups had been set up and residents' associations were helping with the upkeep of the greens. There was also close liaison with police.

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