scone.com.auVandals Continue to Cause Damage
DURING the weekend more damage was done at the Aberdeen sports grounds by vehicles tearing up turf.
Peter and Marie Tilleman have been camping in their caravan at the grounds and said they saw four vehicles on Tuesday night and others returned during the weekend.
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“It was after midnight and there were four vehicles that took turns in putting the lights in each other as they did circle work and what not,” said Mr Tilleman.
“They drove up as far as the new practice nets,” he said.
“By the time the police got here at 12:30 they had already tore the place up and left,” he said.
“It has amazed us staying here just how many people come down here and volunteer at these grounds and the amount of work they put into this place and they just come and ruin it,” Peter Tilleman said.
Peter Flaherty volunteers at the sports ground and said last year 13 trees were broken off and pulled out.
“I come down here and water the trees and to see 13 broken off and ripped out is just a waste of time and money,” Mr Flaherty said.
“All this damage on the sports ground means that when we do get a bit of rain we won’t get grass in this area, because it has all been ripped up,” he said.
“There were timber posts placed down near the bridge, but they have used a four wheel drive and ripped one out of the ground so they could make an easy exit after ripping the place up,” Peter Flaherty said.
A fence is being constructed on the southern side of the grounds, which is where people report the vandals are entering the grounds.
Graham Newtown of Aberdeen Golf Club said they would like help from Council to protect the grounds.
“They also got onto the second fairway this week,” said Mr Newtown.
“It would help if Council were able to help with fencing materials, we’d all get in and put the fence up, but if they could help with the materials that would help,” he said.
Volunteers also worry the vandals will wreck the new picnic area on their way out of the sports ground.
“We got all the watering system going, because it was blocked and it is nice to have a green rest area down there for visitors and the men’s shed built a picnic table there, which was donated by Aberdeen Treasures, people have all helped to make the area what it is and keep it looking nice,” said Mr Flaherty.
“But after last night you can see how one of the vehicles has ripped through, they just don’t care,” Peter Flaherty said.
The Upper Hunter Shire Council was unavailable for comment.
