Damage done to Wellingborough football pitch 'deeply concerning'
A football pitch in Croyland Park has been severely damaged by tyre tracks.
One of the two pitches in Croyland Park, Wellingborough has been significantly churned up by bikes, resulting in a large portion of the field now sporting deep and obvious tyre tracks.
Damage has largely been kept to just one pitch and North Northants Council (NNC), which owns and manages the park, has said the anti-social behaviour ‘puts the public at risk’ while also limiting the availability of sports facilities.
A spokesman for the council said: “As a local authority, we are proud to support our grassroots football teams and the many residents who rely on our public open spaces for recreation, well-being and community activity.
“It is deeply concerning to see these valued spaces damaged by anti‑social behaviour. This behaviour not only puts the public at risk but causes significant harm to football pitches that volunteers, coaches and young players depend on every week.
“We are working closely with local clubs, community groups and our community safety partners to protect these areas and ensure they remain safe, welcoming and accessible for everyone.
"Council operatives will work hard to remedy the damage; however, it is likely that fairer weather during the growing season will be needed to return the pitch to its usual standard.
“We ask the public to continue reporting incidents so we can respond swiftly and take appropriate action.
"Our open spaces belong to the whole community, and we are committed to safeguarding them for the enjoyment of current and future generations.”
Cllr Chris Munday, who represents the Croyland and Swanspool on North Northants Council added: "I want to commend the volunteers who give up their valuable time, free of charge, to keep grassroots football going in Wellingborough. As a volunteer myself, I know first-hand the hard work and effort that goes into maintaining facilities like this.
"These pitches are enjoyed week in, week out by many residents, which is why I am genuinely saddened by this senseless act of vandalism.
"Our community should not have to tolerate its shared spaces being treated with such disregard and I urge anyone with information to come forward."