Yobs wreck popular Layton club's roof as part of vandalism campaign

Members of an amateur bowling club have been left facing holes in their roof '“ and finances '“ after a spate of vandalism.
Vandals have wrecked the roof of 100-year-old bowling club in Layton.  Pictured is secretary and treasurer Derek Kay.Vandals have wrecked the roof of 100-year-old bowling club in Layton.  Pictured is secretary and treasurer Derek Kay.
Vandals have wrecked the roof of 100-year-old bowling club in Layton. Pictured is secretary and treasurer Derek Kay.

Damage to the century-old clubhouse at Layton Amateur Bowling Club will cost an estimated four figures to put right, with water now pouring into the building.

Secretary and treasurer Derek Kay said: “The kids are always coming in and doing something, but they have gone one better this time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“They have gone on the roof and jumped up and down until the ceiling has collapsed.

“We have holes in the roof and we will have to repair the whole thing, which will cost about £10,000.

“It’s money we have not got – we’re only a small club.”

The vandalism, which also caused the ceiling above the ladies’ loos to cave in, is thought to have happened on Sunday and was noticed by one of the members before a match on Monday, Mr Kay said.

It was called in to police, with the force confirming officers were made aware at around 6.30pm that day.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It was reported to us as criminal damage,” a spokeswoman said.

The club, which had been considering replacing the 100-year-old’s building roof, will now start to look around for grants to replace the roof, Mr Kay told The Gazette.

But he voiced his anger at the youngsters, who he claimed have long plagued the well-used venue.

“They get in when it’s all locked up – they climb over somewhere,” he said. “Members keep catching them.

“They usually vandalise the shelters.”

Anybody with information on the vandalism can call police on 101, quoting reference LC-2018-04-16-1261, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.