The Ross Sports Centre is to install a permanent locked barrier at its entrance in an attempt to prevent future vandalism.

At the Ross Town Council meeting on Monday, April 9th, Councillor Hannah Lerego spoke for the Ross Sports Centre, saying that unfortunately, a permanent barrier would have to be installed, due to vandalism and littering.

She said there had been an incident whereby boy and girl racers had been driving on the fields, causing damage to them, and displaying antisocial behaviour.

At the most recent incident at the Centre, a drain pipe was ripped off and thrown onto the roof.

Cllr Lerego added that while it would be a shame for dog walkers that drive to use the site, and won’t be able to get in - it is necessary to stop the destruction of the Sports Centre and is not the Centre’s fault.

A spokesperson for the Ross Sports Centre said: “The cost of vandalism, persistent damage and litter has taken its toll. As volunteers, the CIC are struggling to maintain and fund the Sports Centre and over the last year money has consistently gone into repairing damage which has been caused overnight. Many considerate users have mentioned to us anti social behaviour occurring on our grounds including fires being started.

“We hope that without these events occurring, the money saved can be diverted in to providing better communal and social facilities for our town and our club members.

“After training for cricket and football the barrier will go up so we ask people not to leave their cars in our car park after 7.30pm.

“We will endeavour through our volunteers to open the barrier as early as possible each morning so dog walkers and joggers can use our facilities for free.”