Stand at rugby club set alight after league win
A WELSH rugby club is appealing for information after one of their stands was set on fire over the bank holiday weekend.
Police and the fire brigade were called to Bargoed Park, home of Bargoed RFC, on Monday evening, after flames were seen coming from one of the stands.
The club is now facing a substantial bill to repair the damage.
Taking to social media, the club published a photograph of the fire, stating: “Another mindless act of vandalism to our facilities.
“Four kids seen running from the field, if anyone got any info please can you get in contact with anyone from the club.
“Any information would be much appreciated.”
Commenting on the incident, a spokesperson for South Wales Fire and Rescue said: “SWFRS received a call regarding a report of a fire at a spectator stand at Bargoed Rugby and Football Club at approximately 18.52 pm on Monday, May 6.
“A fire crew from Aberbargoed responded using a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire and the stop message was called at 19.23 pm.
“A further call was received at around 21.23 pm regarding the possible reignition of the earlier incident. A crew from Aberbargoed attended and used a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.”
The damage caused by the fire is likely to cost the club thousands, and has cast a shadow on what should have been a weekend of celebrations.
On Saturday, Bargoed lifted the National Championship East trophy after thumping Bedwas 59-21 on an afternoon that brought the entire club together.
“We’ll have to repair it and make it safe because it’s dangerous at the moment for anybody who does wander into the park and onto the field,” said club secretary Huw Evans.
“We haven’t got a price but it probably won’t be cheap. We tend to do the repairs for that stand ourselves. It’s one we put up when we were entered into the Premiership a few years ago.
“It is a stand that’s used quite regularly by supporters and others that use the field. Any repairs are our responsibility.
“We don’t know how much it will cost, but it will probably be a good few thousand pounds.
“I think the annoying thing is we had a really good day on Saturday. We were presented with the Championship East cup for winning the league.
“We had all our minis and juniors up there, all our supporters, and it was a really good day.
“But this has put a bit of a shade over it now.
“We’ve got some work to do to prepare for next season now, and this is money that we could certainly use on other things.”
Mr Evans says this is just the latest in a long line of incidents at their ground, adding there is a problem with youths and anti-social behaviour.
“We’ve had a few small fires before, but nothing like this,” he added. “This is the worst it’s been. It looks like they may have used a wheelie bin, and set it on fire on the stand.
“We do have a problem with youths congregating up there. Especially in the warmer summer months. Regularly throughout the winter we have to clear the one side of the pitch of bottles, glass and cans before we play.”
Authorities are now investigating and are appealing for any information.
A Gwent Police spokesperson said: “We received report of a fire in a stand at Bargoed Rugby Club at around 6.50pm on Monday, May 6.
“No injuries were reported. Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, can call 101 or send us a direct message on social media, quoting reference 2400146994.
“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously with details on 0800 555 111.”