Security stepped up at social club after vandalism

The Kellingley Club is in the process of being redeveloped

Security measure have been beefed at a former social club after vandals damaged the site during ongoing redevelopment work.

The roof and children's changing facilities were damaged at the Kellingley Club in Knottingley, Wakefield Council said.

The local authority condemned the incident and said police would be giving "extra attention to the site", while additional security cameras have been installed.

A private security firm has also been hired to conduct patrols of the site, which is in the process of being redeveloped.

New changing rooms, a bar, improved parking and better spectator seating are being created at the site as part of a £6.3m improvement scheme.

The council's deputy leader Jack Hemingway, said: "It is a real shame that the actions of a few are impacting on the delivery of projects designed to benefit the whole community.

"Knottingley is a wonderful community, and these senseless acts of vandalism are not representative of the people who live there.

"These new security measures will help us get work back on track, to provide residents with the new, improved community facilities they asked for.

"I would ask those responsible for the damage to consider the wider implications of their actions. The Council doesn't have unlimited funds. Every time we spend money repairing or replacing something deliberately damaged or vandalised, it means less money for the vital services that people depend on."

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