Teams hoping to kick off the new Sunday football league season at a south Essex playing field have been dealt a blow by vandals.
Trashed - vandals have wrecked the hut which had only just been painted ready for the new football season Picture: LUAN MARSHALL
A gang broke into Nevendon Road Recreation Ground, Wickford, and smashed up the toilets, lockers and the changing rooms, causing more than £500 of damage.
Basildon Council, which manages the facilities, said this week's vandalism was not the first instance of its type to take place there.
A council spokesman said: "We have experienced problems with antisocial behaviour and vandalism in this area in the past and as well as working with the police, we are looking at ways to make the park more secure.
"We will be having discussions about this in the near future to look at possible solutions."
The spokesman denied the break-in would jeopardise the use of the changing facilities by amateur football clubs, whose season begins early next month.
Anyone who witnessed the break-in between Sunday and Monday this week, or has any information about the incident should call Basildon police on 01268 532212.
Published Wednesday August 11, 2004
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