Anger as vandals hit popular Fife sports club

In late May, vandals breached a fence outside the Wormit and Newport Tennis Club, smashed windows and a toilet, and damaged kitchen worktops.

The vandalism was discovered by committee members on a recent visit to the tennis courts on Bay Road, Wormit, which have been shut during the current lockdown.

The police was informed of the break-in and provided security advice to the club.

Club treasurer Linda Baird said: “The clubhouse was locked down and the courts padlocked.

“It was targeted sometime between the end of the previous week May 21/22 and the afternoon of Tuesday, May 26, when the damage was discovered during a routine check.

“In total four windows were smashed, a toilet cistern split in two and a new worktop in the kitchen was damaged. We don’t know the total bill for repair but it will be a four figure sum to make repairs, and more to put in place extra security arrangements.”

Tay Bridgehead councillor Jonny Tepp said: “I was very angry to hear about the damage that had been caused to the club premises with individuals damaging the fence to obtain entries to the facilities which were padlocked during the lockdown period.

“This is a family club that provides opportunities to local youngsters to learn the game. The club will now have to pay for repairs and invest in additional security measures such as CCTV at a time when their income is suffering.

“I appeal to anyone with any information to come forward to the police on 101, or if they wish to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. I would also be happy to pass information on to the police.”