Frustration as Peterborough bowls club targeted by vandals

The chair of a Peterborough bowls club has expressed his frustration at seeing its premises targeted by vandals.
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Brian Swann said West Ward Bowls Club in Fulham Road, West Town, has been attacked in recent weeks, with the main clubhouse having its windows broken and a tap left on all night.

Based on local enquiries Brian believes it is youths who have been targeting the club which opened 76 years ago in 1944, while two children have also recently abused the greenkeeper.

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He said: “In the last couple of weeks we’ve had incidents down here.

Damage caused at West Ward Bowls ClubDamage caused at West Ward Bowls Club
Damage caused at West Ward Bowls Club

“One of main clubhouse windows has been broken, fencing has been broken so they can get in, and there’s an outside tap which they left running all night.

“They’ve also been taking the numbers off bowls greens and swapping them.

“We think we know who’s doing it. We’re hoping that now we’ve made them aware that we know them it will stop happening.

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“It’s frustrating the damage that’s been caused. It will cost £400-500.”

Damage caused at West Ward Bowls ClubDamage caused at West Ward Bowls Club
Damage caused at West Ward Bowls Club

Brian said he had filled in an online police report but had been informed officers will not be investigating.

A Cambridgeshire police spokeswoman said: “On Friday (August 7) we received a report of criminal damage to a bowls club in Fulham Road, Peterborough.

“Between 5pm on July 31 and 8pm on August 3, the window was smashed and glass was thrown onto a playing surface.

“A tap was also left running, causing damage to the floor.

Damage caused at West Ward Bowls ClubDamage caused at West Ward Bowls Club
Damage caused at West Ward Bowls Club
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“Officers have followed up all available lines of enquiry and at this time the crime has been filed. If any further information comes to light this will be investigated.

“Anyone with information should call us on 101 quoting reference 35/52881/20.”