Cricket club in Cirencester devastated by vandal attacks

The pavilion at Tarbarrow Cricket Club in Harebushes Wood has been the target of ‘countless’ criminal incidents including break-ins, arson attacks and vandalism.

In the last month alone, there have been six break-ins - with the latest causing damage of between £600 and £700.

The worst attack to date happened on Friday night when tables and chairs were broken and crockery used for cricket teas smashed with further damage on Saturday.

Now the club - which is also home to the Wild Duck Cricket Club - has launched a GoFundMe appeal to pay for security equipment, and has issued a call to restore the facility to its former glory.

Groundsman Jack Smith said: “Friday evening is by far and beyond the worst we’ve seen.

“In the last month, we’ve already replaced two windows and cladding, which has been ripped off.

“There’s graffiti on the roof which is still to be covered over.

“Somehow, criminals also got a car up onto the pitch and did damage to the actual cricket square.”

Mr Smith stressed that there are no items of value at the pavilion.

Last year cladding on the front of the building was ripped off and set on fire.

“We’re incredibly lucky the actual pavilion didn’t catch fire,” said Mr Smith.

“The club is in a stunning location with views of the town and we encourage people to enjoy the space but not to destroy it or cause damage.”

In addition, the fire service was called to a blaze near the club earlier this month on Saturday, April 12.

Police believed the fire was started deliberately, adding that there had also been incidents of antisocial behaviour in the area in previous weeks.

Now the club is urging the community to back its appeal to boost security.

“We’re in talks with a couple of companies about getting some containers put there for more secure storage so we will be able to lock everything away, and also putting some cameras and some solar power there to enable us to really keep an eye on what’s going on,” said Mr Smith.

“The second phase is to restore Tarbarrow to its previous glory.

“We want to bring it back to being a pretty pavilion with benches.”

Anyone with any information about the incidents should complete a crime information form on the Gloucestershire police website or call 999 if they witness suspicious activity.

The GoFundMe page for Tarbarrow Cricket Club can be found at tinyurl.com/27rr883u

“Though many an effort has been made to repair, rebuild and improve security, the latest criminal acts have left the club unable to see a way forward for the site as it is currently,” the club said.

“As a small, community-run cricket club that is home to two amateur teams, we rely so much on what people can help out with,” said the organisation, which has been in existence since the late 1970s and has around 80 members.

“Unfortunately, the generosity from players with their time and club fees isn’t enough to do what is required.

“With this fundraiser, the plan is to repair and repaint the clubhouse fascia, replace all locks, invest in secure storage and install solar panels which will allow for a security system.

“As it is a community asset, we want to encourage as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the facilities while enjoying some cricket, sandwiches and hopefully some sun.”