MINDLESS vandals have smashed their way into the bowls pavilion at Morley Street Park, Atherton, leaving pensioners fuming.

The thugs vandalised the pavilion and caused widespread damage to the front door and brickwork before breaking chairs and crockery.

Members of the club, who have been victims before, said the latest attack was the worst yet, and they were devastated. Local councillors and park rangers helped them clean up the debris.

A club spokesman said: "Wanton vandalism like this only begins the season for us with sadness. The members, all of pensionable age, are the ones who have to clean up the mess. However, on this occasion there was so much mess the local authority rangers and local councillors were out on Sunday morning helping us clean up the debris."

Cllr Joe Clarke said: "The bowlers are an asset to our community and they deserve our help. Yet again we have witnessed appalling vandalism to a public building.

"It is becoming a constant battle against a very small minority of hooligans in our society. We have been given some names, but we do need more information.

"If anyone has any information about this, or other cases of vandalism, please ring the police."

Alternatively police can contact Crimestoppers free of charge and in confidence on 0800 555111.

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