Heartless vandals leave 'destruction and mess' at Churchill playing fields
Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 12 June 2025

An example of the mess at Churchill playing fields in Greenfield
Broken glass bottles and various other debris were left on rugby and football pitches at Churchill playing fields in Greenfield.
Rugby posts have been ripped down and strewn across a pitch, along with lots of litter and bottles everywhere.
Andy Wood, Chairman at Saddleworth Rangers, said: "I’ve just walked to Churchill and I’m appalled by the destruction and mess.
“Only 12 weeks ago we got the vandalised set of posts replaced due to yet another act of pure selfishness.
“We’ve spent the past 12 weeks engaging local councillors to help repair the pitch with damage caused by weekend activities and dogs left to roam the pitch unwatched.
"Then, after agreeing a plan to do remedial works just last week, and being asked to leave the pitch alone whilst the works took place, a football club turned up with pop up nets to train, despite being three other football pitches to train on.
"This works would also lead to some more renovation works towards the end of July (yet to be agreed).
“As a one-pitch club, having a secondary pitch close to the club is vital for our thriving youth section of over 300 members - a small team of people have already put their hands up to go and pick up litter and my thanks already goes to them!
“I’ll be in contact with local councillors this morning to agree the way forward for this continuous issue on Churchill.
“Currently the problem affects approximately 90 children from playing rugby tomorrow on that pitch.”
A disgusted observer commented: "The greatest show on earth it might be, but it also brings the greatest idiots.”
Adding: "There's so much broken glass - someone or a pet will get hurt.”
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