Ormskirk Advertiser

Swift defiant after arson attack at Linnets’ ground

- BY JAMIE LOPEZ jamie.lopez@reachplc.com @jamie_lopez1

THE chairman of Burscough Football Club has issued a defiant message after an arson incident at the club’s stadium.

Firefighte­rs were called to Victoria Park, on Mart Lane, at around 7.30pm on Tuesday night to reports that plastic seats had been set on fire.

Fire and police services have launched a joint arson investigat­ion, though no arrests have yet been made.

But despite the damage, chairman Mike Swift said the club would not be deterred by an act of “minor, petty vandalism”.

He said: “Something like this is not helpful when you’re in a sport where young people can be involved. You do everything you can to be part of the village. We give free entrance to young people, you do all you can so they can watch football and play football.

“It won’t deter us from being part of the community.

“It won’t stop Burscough Football Club, it’s been here more than 100 years.”

He added: “Items of petty vandalism will not deter the proud heritage of Burscough Football Club. We move on. We’ve got a football season to look to forward to.”

Planning is well under way for the 2018-19 season, with the club set to return to a green home kit after switching to white last season. Fans held a ballot over the change last month, and overwhelmi­ngly supported the decision to return to the traditiona­l colour.

A fire service spokesman said: “Firefighte­rs from Ormskirk used water mist packs to extinguish a fire started in plastic seats in a football stand at Victoria Park, Mart Lane, Burscough. Police and LFRS will investigat­e the suspected arson.”

Anyone with informatio­n on the incident can call police on 101, quoting log number LC20180612­1132, or call Crimestopp­ers, anonymousl­y on 0800 555 111. sevens festival of this nature aligns closely with what my dad was passionate about - being inclusive for all abilities by providing rugby at elite levels, social rugby and women’s rugby.

“It galvanises and inspires others to be part of something positive for the community and ultimately

 ?? The Burscough FC ground at Victoria Park where arsonists struck ??
The Burscough FC ground at Victoria Park where arsonists struck
 ?? Preston Grasshoppe­rs Ladies celebrate their win Jonathan Skofic, left, and, above, his son, Jack, in action ??
Preston Grasshoppe­rs Ladies celebrate their win Jonathan Skofic, left, and, above, his son, Jack, in action
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