Closure forced by mindless vandals
The Whiteshawgate 3G Sports Trust have blasted vandals who targeted their pitches during the lockdown.
The group have been left stunned as plastic panels on the dugouts were smashed despite the country being in the midst of a national crisis.
Both Strathaven Rugby Club and Strathaven Dynamo AFC use the popular ground during the league season, with both campaigns having been shutdown because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The facilities had been left open for the community to use for statepermitted exercise, but with the latest damage, the trust have decided to lock up the facility for a minimum of EIGHT weeks.
A spokesman for W3ST said:“We appreciate and share the concern expressed from members of the Strathaven community about the damage caused, especially at a time when the pitch should technically not be used.
“Both Strathaven Rugby Club and Strathaven Dynamo AFC stopped using the pitch for training and games before the start of the lockdown, but we understand that as it is an open pitch members of the public have been using it from time to time.
“Measures have been taken to tape off the road leading up to the clubhouse.
The police have been informed and are monitoring the area for any form of gatherings that break the social distancing guidelines.
“We have had issues in the recent past where goals, nets, dugouts and even the pitch have been deliberately vandalised and we condemn this in the strongest terms.
“We also know that the dugout area may also have been damaged by unintentional damage due to the proximity of it and two of the seven-aside goals.
“We would appreciate if this accidental damage was reported.
“With the rugby season and football seasons now officially ended, we expect the W3ST training park to stay closed to the community for at least another eight weeks and possibly longer depending on the Scottish Government guidelines.
“We look forward to a time when we can get back to playing at the facility and hope that no further damage is caused in the meantime.”