Vandals damage cricket pitch in south London park

The cricket pitch at Norbury Park was damaged by vandals

Residents have been left outraged after vandals destroyed a cricket pitch in Croydon, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Concerns remain about vandalism in at Norbury Park following the incident reported on 18 August.

Jenni Rodgers, leader of the group Friends of Norbury Park, said: "We will have to wait for a new pitch to be put down. I am just sick of this actual lack of respect."

A Croydon Council spokesperson said: "Our parks team have made the area safe by removing the hazardous debris, but unfortunately, the pitch cannot be currently used. We will work with the police and encourage anyone with information to contact them."

'Massively destructive'

Regular park user John Kuhrt posted on Facebook that the damage was "a proper demolition job" rather than just a "mindless bit of vandalism".

Reflecting on previous incidents, Ms Rodgers said: "It does seem like every time we do something, there is just sort of vandalism in response. We put up two notice boards and they were vandalised."

Both Ms Rodgers and Deborah Bestwick, of Norbury Village Green Residents' Association, told the LDRS that litter is often scattered across the pitch after weekend games and "we have just begun to get really sick of it".

The Friends group regularly carries out litter picks around the park and, together with the council's contractors, helps keep it clean.

Referring to the vandalism, Ms Bestwick said: "All of the organisations are really distressed. It is massively destructive."

Norbury Labour councillor Shafi Khan first sought funding for the pitch in 2019, securing support from the council, which remains responsible for its upkeep and now its repair, the LDRS said.

A spokesperson for Croydon Council added: "We are appalled by this outrageous act of vandalism on this community asset in Norbury Park, which has impacted on and saddened the local community.

"We have reported the incident to the police and would like to thank residents who have contacted the Council to report this senseless act of vandalism."