"Mindless idiots" damage bowling green at Queen's Park

“Mindless idiots” have damaged the green at Queen’s Park Bowling Club in Heywood.

The vandalism was caused by a suspected motorbike on Thursday evening (21 September).

Bowling club secretary Peter Wild said the incident would be reported to the police and it has been reported to the council.

Mr Wild, who called the vandals "mindless idiots," added: "We do get numerous problems on our green regardless of signs being put up by the council prohibiting the use of the green for non-bowlers. I would prefer for the green to be fenced off.

"We have had families picnicking on the green people playing cricket and young teenagers playing football. We also have had bikers coming on the green while players are bowling, a young lad running on and running off with the bowls.

"But the damage done by a motorbike was just done to cause damage to the green and the satisfaction of the individual who has done it."

Rochdale Borough Council has confirmed repairs are underway.

A spokesperson said: "Repairs to the surface of the bowling green are under way, but it will take some time to get it back to its usual high standard.

"The cost to repair the turf is minimal, but the personal cost and disruption to the facilities for those who use the bowling green are much higher.

"Thankfully, this act of vandalism is an isolated case, with most visitors respecting the green's beauty and maintenance."