Published date: 02 March 2016 |
Published by: Rory SheehanRead more articles by Rory Sheehan
MALICIOUS vandals are putting the safety of village footballers at risk.
Glass bottles are being snapped at the neck and planted into the Ponciau Banks football pitch, home of Rhos Aelwyd FC.
The bottles have been left with the jagged edge facing up, putting those who use the pitch at risk of harm.
Ponciau councillor Paul Pemberton says it is only a matter of time before someone is hurt and potentially seriously injured if the problem continues.
He said: “I am adamant they are being put there on purpose by whoever is doing it.
“The bottles are broken at the neck with the most dangerous edges sticking out of the ground. That doesn’t happen by accident.
“When I went down there the other week the guy who cuts the grass told me about it, and showed me one by the goalmouth.
“Imagine diving on something like that?
“The football club is aware of it and is having to clear the pitch before matches.”
Cllr Pemberton added that the colour of some of the bottles made it difficult to spot them.
He said: “It’s not easy to see some of the bottles in the grass because they are green.
“Could you imagine if someone went in for a slide tackle and caught themselves on one? It could sever an artery.
“We’ve informed the police about what’s going on and are looking to tighten up security.
“If anyone sees someone doing this I would urge them to contact me and the police.”
Chris Williams, who maintains the pitch, said it had been repeatedly targeted by vandals.
“We’ve had problems in the past with people trying to set fire to the stands,” he said.
“I found one of the green bottles buried into the half-way line the other day, but the worry is they are difficult to see and could be missed.
“It doesn’t bear thinking about if someone caught themselves on it while playing there.
“We’ve got a PCSO coming to visit and review our security so hopefully that will help.”
Rhos Aelwyd FC committee member Trefor Williams said the club is vigilant in making sure the pitch is safe to play on.
He said: “It’s not the first time we’ve had jagged bottles sticking out of the ground. “We do check thoroughly before each game and football club members clear everything up.”
see-http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/159255/glass-bottles-left-on-pitch-putting-wrexham-footballers-at-risk.aspx
No comments:
Post a Comment