Community campaign aims to raise £8,000 for repairs for Long Sutton Cricket Club after pitch is vandalised

A cricket club has suffered another blow following ‘mindless’ vandalism of equipment that could cost up to £8,000 to replace.

Vandals targeted the all weather pitch at Long Sutton Cricket Club last week by slicing the Astroturf and removing wickets used for training.

A crowd funder has been set up for the club - which was previously targeted by burglars back in July 2023 who stole thousands of pounds of equipment - and the race is now on to raise between £7,000 and £8,000 for repairs.

Club vice-chairman James Baker said: “The club and the facilities get used by a lot of people and the under 9s and 11s use this wicket predominantly.

“The damage was spotted by my son last Friday (February 21) and they have definitely targeted it with a knife and it is deemed useless.

“We reported it to the police but without CCTV and nobody seeing them unfortunately I think it will be unlikely that anyone is caught.”

However Mr Baker is remaining positive as the community has rallied around once again to help the club, which is preparing for the first game in April.

He said: “We didn't let the theft of the machinery beat us - everyone was brilliant.

“Fortunately at the moment all practice is indoors but no outdoor practice will be able to take place safely.

“If it was in the middle of the summer we could have but the weather is too wet.”

Dales, a company based in Boston, has priced up the repair job for the equipment which has had two services in 25 years.

Meanwhile, supporter Julie Speed — whose son has played at the club for four years — has set up the fundraising campaign and already raised £1,605 for the cause.

She said: “It is heartbreaking but the support we have had is incredible

“My son is frustrated and angry about it — it is just mindless for the amount of money it will cost to repair.

“It is overwhelming to have the local support and we want to say thank you.”

The club is used for family days and non-cricket events and serves as a hub in the town and a bingo night is planned on Friday by the Royal British Legion — with all proceeds going to towards the club.

A police spokesperson said: “We received a report that an artificial wicket at a cricket club has been vandalised and cut with a knife.

“We have reviewed the evidence and would ask anyone with information about the incident to contact the force quoting the number 25000107942.”

To donate to the fundraiser visit here