AFC Blackpool have received donations from their local community after suffering vandalism at the ground late last week.
Youths caused damage to the stand and goalposts at the Mechanics Ground, as well as smashing glass, trashing the pay booth and throwing concrete fence panels. This has left areas such as the ticket office unable to be used with weeks until the season begins.
AFC Blackpool have been blighted by vandalism in recent years, but it has reached new heights over the last 12-18 months despite their strong presence in the local community.
Blackpool police are working alongside the club to identify the culprits, who have been caught on camera.
In a statement, Blackpool police said, "We have had a number of reports about youths causing damage to the stands and goal posts of AFC Blackpool located off Jepson Way.
"We are working closely with the staff to tackle this issue and with thanks to their CCTV system, we have identified some of the youths involved and will be paying them a visit."
The costs involved for the club to repair these damages would have been difficult to fund, but thankfully the local community have done their part to help out.
CCTV cameras have been donated to the club by a member of the public and two local businesses will allow cameras to be placed on their buildings to cover more ground on video.
A local waste removal company have begun removing the damaged items and a local DIY store have donated 25 litres of paint. The local police have also given the club anti-vandal paint.
In a bid to repair the ground, volunteers have been working at the club around the clock to fix the damages.
However, the club are holding a 'Volunteers Day' where they are welcoming members of the local community to lend a hand on Sunday 21st July between 10am and 4.30pm.
Volunteer Day - This Sunday, AFC be holding a volunteer day to make sure Jepson Way is ready for both the first team and the junior football season. Read More Here https://t.co/zSt3ggy7W9 …@TinHutBrigade @Fyldesport @The_Gazette @MuckersThe @KnightTangerine @NonLeagueCrowd pic.twitter.com/sUcwMKY5D7
— AFC Blackpool (@AFCBlackpool) July 15, 2019
Please head down to the ground if you are local and available to help get the ground ready for both the first team and junior teams.
Local clubs are a massive part of their community, especially clubs within the NWCFL who continue to offer affordable football to people within the area.
To see the local community helping a club in need is commendable, and hopefully a good turn out on Sunday will help to get the ground in a good condition to start the season.
