'Despicable act' of vandalism at Mill Hill bowls club leaves members worrying over repair costs

The 'despicable act' has prevented more than 50 members of the Green Park Bowling Club in Mill Hill from enjoying their favourite sport during winter, with club officials left wondering whether they will have to foot the bill for it to be repaired.

Club secretary, Martin Thomas, said the bowling committee receive a grant every year to help them maintain the three lawns they have at Green Park, but the damage caused last Monday, to the only lawn they can use throughout winter, will cost above and beyond that, and they are now worried they will not be able to afford to rectify the damage.

Mr Thomas said: "On Monday afternoon there was some serious damage done to the winter bowling green by a quad bike.

"This despicable act has now prevented over 50 members of Green Park Bowling Club from enjoying their favourite sport during the winter.

"This is a culmination of previous acts of vandalism and unsocial behaviour occurring during the past year and is an insult to the hard work of the members in providing an enjoyable environment for our community, and will now cost a considerable amount of funds to repair the green."

Mr Thomas' main concern is the members of the club, many of whom joined Green Park so they could continue playing through winter. He says they now have nowhere to go, and has no idea how long it will take to repair the lawn, especially if the club is required to foot the repair bills themselves.

He continued: "I spoke to someone from the council last week and was under the impression they were going to come and look at it, as effectively, it's their property, but I've not heard anything since.

"We're in limbo and don't know what to do as a club going forward as we're unsure if the council will help us.

"There's a bigger issue here though, and that's access to the park - the gates are not closed or locked meaning anyone can come on, and we get kids coming and smoking, and drinking and taking drugs."

Mr Thomas said the police have been informed and he received a crime reference number but would still like some clarity from the council on who will foot the repair bill.

Both the police and council were contacted for comment but failed to respond before deadline.