Wardle FC fundraising for CCTV after spate of vandalism

Wardle Football Club is fundraising for CCTV after a spate of vandalism at its Rutherford Park premises.

Club officials have said that youths have broken and torn down advertising boards, broken the fencing and set fire to wheelie bins three times since Christmas.

Club chairman, Rik Fielding feels that investment in grassroots football would help, but believes CCTV is the only option to prevent the damage.

He said: “Rochdale is one of the most deprived areas of the country and the kids need to have an affordable purpose in life.

“These kids are taking out their aggression on a club that hasn’t done anything wrong. They don’t have play centres or youth centres; these have been taken away from them.

“They need somewhere to go, something to do that shows people are thinking of them, like some basketball hoops and benches nearby.

“As a football club, we are not given funding and rely solely on members’ fees, donations and fundraising to operate. We cannot continue with the level of vandalism that is taking place and we believe that to stop this level of vandalism continuing to ruin our club we need CCTV.

“Clearly this comes at a cost so we are now asking for support from our community and beyond to anyone that wants to help grassroots football. Please donate what you can, every penny will help.”
 

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The appeal is being supported by ward councillor and leader of the Conservatives, Ashley Dearnley.

Councillor Dearnley said: “I will do all I can to support the club. This has been a general issue in the area, with the bowling green as well, and the important thing is every incident must be reported to the police to make them aware so we can get support for funding CCTV.

“It’s appalling that people like Rik give up their own time and mindless idiots destroy things which are for the benefit of so many people. No doubt it’ll be those who say there’s nothing for them to do.”

To donate towards the CCTV, please visit:

• www.gofundme.com/f/big-brother-watching