VANDALS have targeted a children's play area at Etwall Cricket Club.
A wooden post set in concrete was unearthed, netting torn down, play equipment damaged and tipped over and holes smashed in the fencing as the vandals forced their way into ground in Church Hill.
Chairman Keith Cheetham said: "It's just mindless vandalism and so frustrating. We try to provide facilities for families to enjoy, but this area has just been destroyed. Now we have to start all over again, and of course it will cost money that we had earmarked for other projects."
"We try to provide facilities for families to enjoy, but this area has just been destroyed."
Club committee member Martyn Sutton said: "We are so angry and frustrated that the play area has been ruined. It is beyond belief why anyone would wish to wreck a facility for children."
"As a club we have to work hard every year to raise every penny and we are dependent on volunteers and donations for funds to provide a facility for the local community and to ensure cricket can be played and enjoyed in Etwall.
"Over the last few years we have tried to improve the environment for all the family to enjoy while cricket is being played.
"We now need to work out how we can buy a new climbing frame. It will be difficult to raise additional funds but I am sure, as a club, we will not be beaten and we will keep working hard as it is so beneficial to the cricket club."
