2ndnov05

Wednesday 02nd November 2005

Vandals attack Chatham Town again

Chatham Town Football Club has come under attack from vandals yet again, reports www.chathamtownfc.net

Damage to a control box at their Maidstone Road ground was so bad the Southern League club decided to call off its recent match against Wivenhoe Town because they felt it was too dangerous to use the floodlights.

A groundsman discovered the damage the previous Saturday morning. It is thought the damage occurred sometime the night before.

Financial director Peter Enrigtht said: "The vandals forced open the control box for the floodlights. It is very dangerous with the wet weather we've had."

This is not the first time intruders have caused damage to the ground. In August, arsonists broke into the club in Maidstone Road and set fire to a pile of benches that were waiting to be repaired.

And in April, the club was broken into. The new stand and seats were smashed and graffiti daubed everywhere.

The club has said that, although Medway Council has offered to pay for the repairs, they cannot afford the security equipment to stop any further vandalism happening in the future.

Mr Enright said: "The police have advised us to install CCTV but we don't have the money to do it. Is is another case of vandalism that creates more hassle for us. It's very frustrating."

* If any Kent businesses can assist Chatham Town Football Club they should email: chilio@blueyonder.co.uk