TEENAGE vandals are costing a local golf club thousands of pounds.

Youths have struck again at Stand Golf Club, which borders Radcliffe and Whitefield, damaging the ninth green.

Since September directors at the club estimate the damage has cost them somewhere in the region of £10,000.

Said club secretary Mr Eric Taylor: "The kids come in with bars and clubs and damage the greens by putting holes in them or ripping out the flags which cost £30 each.

"We know it's not just children playing around. They are purposefully damaging the green by hacking away at it."

The police have been called out on a number of occasions but say the club has been uncooperative. Now the club is looking to employ security guards to stop people playing on the course.

Said Mr Taylor: "The police just don't seem interested, it's like they don't want to know.

"We know which estate the children come from but the police say there is very little they can do.

"Now we have no choice but to look into employing security guards to stop the greens from being vandalised."

Inspector Nigel Bonson of Radcliffe police said he was aware of the problems and was in consultation with the club to find a long-term solution.

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