Vandal spree will cost club £2,000

DESTRUCTION . . . part of the Chadderton stand damaged by vandals

VANDALS are the latest threat to the future of Chadderton FC after going on another wrecking spree at the club’s Broadway home.

In the latest body blow to the beleaguered Vodkat North-West Counties League side, thousands of pounds of damage was caused inside the ground.

Youths pulled down a wall in the stand, smashed panels, and ripped out a section of the pitch perimeter fencing as horrified club officials could only watch in utter disbelief.

Chairman Dave Greaves said: “There was a group of about 20 youths and they were cheering and taunting officials who were unable to do anything other than telephone the police.

“We have been trying to clean up the ground for the start of the season, but are now back to square one.

“I have been involved at Chadderton Football Club for 25 years and put in a lot of hard work. It is heartbreaking to see it smashed to pieces.

“I would estimate that it will cost about £2,000 to put right.”

Chadderton have been beset by problems with vandalism throughout the close season and officials had been working to repair damage only to be dealt the latest blow.

Although club officials have been locking the gates to the ground between dusk and dawn — they cannot do so at all times as it is designated public open space— youth still gain access by forcing entry.

Mr Greaves is worried that the spate of vandalism will deter any would-be buyer from wanting to take over the crisis club.

Chadderton remain in a state of limbo after the decision earlier this year by owners Tony Bhatti and Craig Halliwell to withdraw their financial backing, leaving the club heavily in debt.

That left the club unable to pay wages, leading to an exodus of senior players, a number of whom have begun legal action against the owners for allegedly failing to honour their contracts.

It had been envisaged that a take-over of Chadderton by a business consortium would be concluded by the end of July, in time for the new season, but it is understood to have run into difficulties.