A FOOTBALL club in Lennoxtown have been left outraged after finding their home pitch destroyed by yobs just days before the start of their new season.
Residents in the local area are furious with the vandals and have demanded action after seeing the newly-relayed grass dug up in the middle of the night.
Photos showed the extent of the damage to the local pitch
The incident came just days before a youth side kicked off their new season
Pictures showed how the grass pitch – situated in Station Road – was ripped up just days before a youth football team kicked off their league campaign.
Campsie Blackwatch play their home matches on the Lennoxtown pitch but they may be forced to head elsewhere for their upcoming weekend opener.
The former amateur team which folded in 2017 have reformed as a team for youngsters in the East Dunbartonshire area.
The kids have been counting down the days until they can play with their pals and compete in the local leagues at the weekend after enjoying months off for the summer holidays.
However, the Campsie Blackwatch players could be made to wait before they can lace their boots on home soil again.
Locals took to social media to show their dismay at the crime and many were shocked when they came across the pitch after being impressed by how it was relayed the previous day.
One comment read: “Saw the pitch after it was finished, it looked great!! Shocking!!”
Another exclaimed: “Why??? What do they achieve by doing things like this. No respect.”
A third said: “Disgrace.”
Whilst a fourth wrote: “I walked the dog around 8/9pm (on Tuesday) and it was fine. Who ever did it should be made to fix it.”
Efforts have since been carried out to repair the damage with new turf laid on the affected areas of the pitch, primarily both goalmouths.
It’s an improvement after both boxes were seriously damaged but the grass is now patchy and tape still surrounds the goal posts.
Police Scotland have confirmed no complaint has been made over the incident.
Ann Davie, Depute Chief Executive of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “We are aware of substantial vandalism which has damaged the grass pitch at Station Road, Lennoxtown.
“The affected area has been fenced off and repairs will be carried out. We will liaise with Police Scotland and would appeal to anyone with information to call 101.”
The pitch is home to Campsie Blackwatch
New grass has been laid on the affected areas
Tape still surrounds the scene
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