Plea for support after theft from Hove cricket club (From The Argus)

Plea for support after theft from Hove cricket club

6:20am Friday 21st September 2012 in News By Tim Ridgway, Local government reporter

A cricket club has launched a fundraising appeal after hundreds of pounds of equipment was stolen by thieves.

More than 100 youngsters a week attend sessions at Portslade Cricket Club in Benfield Valley, Hove.

But volunteers at the club off Old Shoreham Road were shocked when a padlocked container full of bats, balls and other equipment was broken into on Saturday, September 15.

Andy Glover, a child development officer of the club, said: “It’s just wanton damage.

“We have to find a way of getting that equipment back as the kids just love the game.

Mr Glover added there had also been damage to the cricket pitch caused by motorised vehicles, including quad bikes.

He said: “Some people just don’t think about what effect their actions will have.

“They have no idea what’s going on down here.”

It comes after one of the worst cricket seasons in recent memory when the wet weather and cancelled matches resulted in clubs across the country losing thousands of pounds of revenue.

Mr Glover said: “We have ten teams, ranging from under 10s to under 16s, up here so on Saturday’s I’m here all day either overseeing sessions or attending to various things.

“We’re also the lead club in the city providing cricket to those with disabilities.”

Ward councillor Dawn Barnett said: “The volunteers work every hour possible to keep these kids off the streets.

“The kids have got a really great cricket club and they excel at what they do.

“It would be great if there are any kind people out there who would like to donate some money and help them keep up their great work.”

Anyone who wants to donate to the club can call 07717 303255.