Dismay at mindless vandals' wrecking spree on Wigan football pitches

Four pitches at Aspull Juniors FC were left covered in deep ruts and tyre marks, with quad bike riders thought to be responsible.

Ward councillors and officials at the club believe the damage was caused to the pitches on the civic playing fields just off Wigan Road on the evening of Saturday, December 12.

Cameras have now been requested to catch the riders in the act should they return and police have been informed.

The pitches adjacent to Duke's Row are used by Aspull Juniors FC’s younger sides and the anti-social behaviour is all the more frustrating as the club has been working hard on the maintenance of them since receiving them in an asset transfer.

Now, all their work getting the facilities into tip-top condition for youngsters to play football has been wrecked.

Coun Chris Ready for Aspull New Springs and Whelley said: “It’s a disgrace. It’s just mindless. There is no gain out of ripping up the pitches.

“These people just need to think about their actions, what they are doing and how it affects people.

“It’s the first time this has happened in quite a while.”

Tony Bailey from Aspull Juniors FC said: “We are all gutted. We have spent days upon days working to keep the pitches in good condition for our young people.”

The councillors are now applying for CCTV to be installed in the area to catch the culprits if there are further problems.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have also been informed of the vandalism and Coun Ready says he is hoping to get the force’s team cracking down on off-road motorcycling to Aspull.

Anyone with information about this incident can call police on 101, or you can inform independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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