Aldwick Cricket Club ‘appalled’ by ‘mindless’ act of vandalism

“The club were appalled to see such mindless recklessness, especially during the current climate of the world.”
Members of Aldwick Cricket Club were ‘disgusted and shocked’ after the clubhouse was damaged. Photo: Kate Shemilt. ks190135-3Members of Aldwick Cricket Club were ‘disgusted and shocked’ after the clubhouse was damaged. Photo: Kate Shemilt. ks190135-3
Members of Aldwick Cricket Club were ‘disgusted and shocked’ after the clubhouse was damaged. Photo: Kate Shemilt. ks190135-3

That was the message from Aldwick Cricket Club after its clubhouse, off Macklin Road, was damaged by vandals last Wednesday, three years after its pavilion was razed to the ground by arsonists.

The act of vandalism left all those associated with the club ‘disgusted and shocked’ but they have responded with an incredibly kind and forgiving gesture of help to the culprits.

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“As a club we have even put out an appeal to those that may have been involved offering equipment, coaching and our time, as it’s at times like this that we need to build communities and not divide them,” said Ian Guppy on behalf of the club.

Police officers discovered damage to the front of the clubhousePolice officers discovered damage to the front of the clubhouse
Police officers discovered damage to the front of the clubhouse

Ian said further steps are being taken to improve security at the ground with CCTV being installed this week.

He added: “The club would like to thank the local community for alerting the police and committee members and cannot wait for the season to resume so that once again, we can be at the heart of the community again.

“We can now offer coaching in groups of six and if any of the community reading this would like our services or are interested in taking up the sport then please email us on [email protected].”

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Club chairman Jim Smith said the crime was ‘out of character for the area’ and thanked those who reported the incident and called the club to ‘offer their sympathies’.

He said: “We received a call to say that a passerby had seen two males kicking in the bottom of one of our curtains protecting the clubhouse.

“The clubhouse was completed in March 2019, we share a very good relationship with the local community.

“We once again appreciate the support given to us by the local community.”

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Sussex Police said officers were alerted to the scene just before 7.40pm on June 3 and discovered damage to the front of the clubhouse.

A spokesperson said: “There are no further lines of enquiry at this stage, however anyone with any information about the incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1365 of 03/06.”

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