Community helps clean up sports club after damage

Gareth Cottrell said the damage had caused huge disruption

People have rallied to clean up a youth football ground in Hereford after an illegal traveller camp left it covered in rubbish.

Toros FC said goalposts were broken, sheds damaged and events for children had to be cancelled or moved.

Chairman Gareth Cottrell said offers of help and support had poured in from clubs, businesses and local residents.

He said the damage caused huge disruption and the experience had been incredibly stressful.

Paint had been taken out and thrown at a container, the chairman said

"We've had basically litter everywhere, bags and bags and bags full of it," he said.

"We've got TVs left here, we've got human excrement in certain places, we've got dog excrement.

"We've got broken goal posts, we've got slashed goal nets, they've broken two of our sheds. I don't know what's broken inside those sheds, but they've definitely taken paint out and thrown paint."

He said the community response had been huge and "quite overwhelming".

A 12-year-old boy who uses the football ground said he was "shocked" at what happened, adding: "I don't know why they would do it.

"They're just ruining people's dreams. Every kid who plays for this club really enjoys it. This is like their childhood club and they really want to play here."

On Tuesday, West Mercia Police said that the force was aware of concerns about the encampment and had received reports of crime and anti-social behaviour, which were being dealt with appropriately by officers.

The community rallied to clear up the ground in time for Easter