Outrage as vandals target Peterborough BMX track

The vandalism took place at Peterborough’s BMX track in Orton Malborne and it is beleived to have been committed some time on Tuesday evening.

Peterborough Phantoms BMX Club Chair, Ashley Goulding, said: “This really was a mindless act of vandalism and would have taken some time considering the fence posts were smashed out at the sides and by the posts.”

Five fence panels were smashed at the side of the track and two at the finsih line.

“This delayed Wednesday’s practice as the fences are vital for safety, both for keeping spectators keep off the start hill and to ensure riders do not fall off the track.”

Fortunately, Orton Southgate based business, Woodstone Carpentry Ltd have donated the wood to complete the repairs and it is hoped that they can be completed by Saturday.

Ashley confirmed to the Peterborough Telegraph that this was not an isolated incident though and these are putting a strain on all areas of the club.

The club is entirely run by volunteers, who are increasingly having to give up their time to take part in weekly litter picks.

Ashley said the club is feeling the effects of the ongoing pandemic, with all competitive racing cancelled, their only revenue stream is from donations.

This has come at the worst possible time for the club, who are seeing an upturn in membership.

Headded: “The club is busier than ever and people are all being really good about the precautions in place.

“We’re doing our absolute best to engage new members but our funds are not bottomless.

“A small number of people are ruining it for the large majority. We are looking to invest in adding floodlights, toilet facilites and resurfacing the track.

“All will have to be shelved if these incidents continue, we have already repaired the fences once during lockdown.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Cabridgeshire Police by calling 101.