Vandals attack tennis club in Downpatrick

Vandals attack tennis club in Downpatrick

11 July 2018

DOWNPATRICK Tennis Club was targeted by vandals over the weekend.

One of the club’s nets was burned and the rest were stolen, while one of the courts was scorched.

The estimate of the damage is £1000. All activities at the Mount Crescent-based club have been suspended until further notice.

Sara McMillan, club secretary, said: “We are devastated about the damage to our club facilities over the last 24 hours — all nets taken, one burned.

“Club activities have been suspended until we can replace the nets and secure the courts but we will do this as soon as we possibly can. Vandalism affects all of our members young and old.”

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said the attack was “unacceptable and unfair”.

“This club is well supported in the local community and self-funds much of the work that they do,” he said. “For them to have their equipment and resources vandalised in this manner is unacceptable.

“The surface was scorched damaged and will require repairing before it can be used again.

“This was an unjust, mindless attack and simply has the impact of preventing the members from using their facilities for a period of time which is unfair on them.

“I urge anyone with any information to contact the PSNI. I will be contacting council too to see if any sports development monies can be directed to the club to assist them to move on from this attack.”