EAST Renfrewshire Council has condemned the ‘mindless’ vandals who caused ‘extensive’ fire damage to newly upgraded synthetic pitches.
A number of sections of the pitches at Muirend playing fields were damaged in the incident, which took place on Guy Fawkes Night.
It comes just weeks after the pitches reopened, following a £110,000 investment to improve THE facility – which included a completely new surface being laid.
The pitches are now closed for repairs and the incident has been reported to the police, with the local authority’s community safety team to ‘closely’ monitor the area.
East Renfrewshire Council leader, Tony Buchanan, said, “It’s extremely disappointing that this pitch has been vandalised, especially since it only recently reopened after being significantly upgraded. We continue to invest heavily in improving all our sports facilities for the use of local clubs and the community. Unfortunately, the repairs now needed will costs thousands and will also mean that the pitches can’t be used until they are complete.
“As well as local residents being unable to use the pitches, these mindless acts of vandalism also mean that money which could have been spent elsewhere on other improvements needs to used for repairs.
“Once the pitches reopen, I hope that those using it will do so in an appropriate manner. If any member of the public sees anything inappropriate taking place or has any information about the recent vandalism you should contact the police on 101 or our community safety team by calling 0800 013 0076.”
