"COME and join us for bowling if you want some proper fun."
That was the invitation to vandals who have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a popular Grimsby bowls club.
The Viking Bowls Club left their previous home at Sussex Recreation ground, in Cleethorpes, last year because of continual vandalism.
But now their new home at Barratt's Recreation club in Grimsby has also been plagued by mindless vandals – and the timing could not be worse.
The club is about to take over the running of the bowling green as North East Lincolnshire Council seeks to sell off some of its leisure assets.
As reported, among the facilities up for sale are libraries, beach chalets, The Fitties, surplus buildings and bowling greens.
Club secretary Dave Jarratt said: "It has been going on for months. It has cost us thousands to do repairs and keep the area safe. But they keep coming back.
"There is a risk to the young people if they keep climbing on to our roof as the fence below is spiked."
He added: "We do not mind them playing but we object to all the vandalism they cause."
Treasurer David Bateman said: "We would like them to come and join us for bowling.
"The council put up new guttering but that was smashed off the same night.
"That is costing council tax payers money, so indirectly it is costing their parents money – but I doubt any of the mums or dads know what their children are up to.
"It has been all season. It is all wilful destruction."
Since news of the sale, members of The Viking Bowls Club have been spending their free time trying to get their club facilities up to a high standard and have redecorated the clubhouse, improved security and tended to the greens.
But now members have asked for barbed wire to be erected around their clubhouse, to try to prevent further damage being caused to the border fences on the greens by youths on bikes and skateboards.
Cyclists and skateboarders have also used the club's green to practice their stunts and youths have been seen kicking off wooden fences.
And, instead of using neighbouring grassed playing fields – which were formerly grass tennis courts – footballers have been playing on one of the bowling greens, leaving the surface pitted and with areas bare of grass.
The two club representatives highlighted two large holes in the fence bordering the path to Oasis Academy Wintringham.
Mr Jarratt said: "Whenever the police are called the youths run off and get through the holes in the fence.
"We have asked the council to help us but, up to now, nothing has happened.
"It is hard work looking after the greens and it is heartbreaking to see all the damage."
The secretary said: "The club provides a wonderful social life as well as fitness. They are always telling us oldies to get out and get some exercise."
A Neighbourhood Watch volunteer locks the gates each night, the bowls club representatives said.
