Vandals trash historic bowling clubhouse

John Rogers, club secretary, said the damage was estimated to cost the club thousands of pounds

A bowler has said it was "devastating" to discover their historic clubhouse had been trashed by "mindless vandals".

John Rogers, secretary of Walton Hall Bowling Club, said many memories had been lost after their club, based in Walton Hall Park, Liverpool, was targeted three times from Sunday to Monday.

The clubhouse, which is used by many community groups, was damaged "beyond repair". Toilets were smashed, trophies destroyed and fireworks and broken crockery were littered across the bowling green, club members said.

Merseyside Police said they were appealing for information over the "appalling" vandalism caused by youths.

All of the toilets have been destroyed at the club

The clubhouse, which is owned by Liverpool City Council and located in Walton Hall Avenue park, is used by many bowlers and houses the Walton Hall Bowling Club, believed to have been established more than 80 years ago.

Mr Rogers said he received a phone call about a "break-in" on Sunday which was reported to police, but after it was secured on Monday he said vandals entered again that evening and was told to "prepare for the worst".

"It was more of a shock than I had imagined," he added.

The club's toilets had been "smashed to bits" with a fire extinguisher.

Chairs were vandalised, papers had been strewn everywhere while trophies in the history room next door were also destroyed.

Mr Rogers said: "We found the base of one trophy, and the trophy goes back to 1941, that's the earliest trophy we can find, and that's how long, I assume, the club has been here.

"I was crying when I saw it because I just didn't believe how bad it was until I came in here."

Councillor Beverley Kenyon said she felt "so sorry" for the bowling club

During a salvage operation on Wednesday, Mr Rogers said they discovered vandals had tried to gain access for a third time that morning.

He said: "I'm just angry, why was it done?

"There's no point to it, it's not as though we've antagonised anyone."

Mr Rogers said the club would have to look elsewhere to play for the next season which starts in April.

Councillor Beverley Kenyon, who represents the Walton ward, said there was "no need for the horrendous" vandalism.

She said the council would be working towards getting their building restored in time.

Insp Chris Taylor said an officer would be working with schools in the area to provide advice and prevent issues from occurring.

He added: "While police and partners are working together, we also need support of parents to take responsibility to prevent it from happening in the first place."

He urged anyone with any information to get in touch with the force.