Vandals destroy cricket pitch in south London sparking outrage from locals

"We will have to wait for a new pitch to be put down. I am just sick of this actual lack of respect."

"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."

"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."

Vandals destroyed the artificial cricket pitch at Norbury Park in Croydon on August 18, leaving the surface unusable and creating hazardous debris. Croydon Council's parks team removed the debris to make the area safe but confirmed the pitch cannot currently be used. The council reported the incident to police and urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement. Friends of Norbury Park said a new pitch will be needed and expressed frustration at the lack of respect. Local users described the damage as extensive, calling it a "proper demolition job" rather than mere mindless vandalism.

Read at www.standard.co.uk