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THE president of Strabane Rugby Club has said members are “hugely disappointed” after vandals damaged a newly-installed £40,000 safety fence at the club’s Bradley Way pitch.
The fence – erected just a matter of days ago to protect players from dog-fouling, broken glass and other hazards – was targeted last Thursday in what has been described as a deeply frustrating setback for the club.
Club president Colin Spence said the damage was particularly disheartening given the pitch is the club’s only facility.
Protect
“The fence was only put up last week to protect our members when they are playing and keep others off it when they are not.
“It’s sad it happened as this is our only pitch as well. People will point to the fact that there is nothing for the young people to do in Strabane but wrecking isn’t the way to combat that,” he said.
“If young people want something to do, why not join one of the many sports club Strabane has to offer?
“Strabane Rugby, a club which is truly representative of everyone in Strabane, has just had its most successful season and we are helping boost the positive image of our town and have been heartened by the kind messages of support following the incident.
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“We didn’t need this to happen and hope it is an isolated incident and that we can all keep working together for the betterment of everyone in Strabane and district.”
Mr Spence warned that continued anti-social behaviour could have wider consequences, with the club now considering restricting access to the nearby river wall walk.
He also appealed for anyone with information to come forward to the club or contact police.