'Disgusting' sledgers slammed for leaving trail of destruction at Burnley Golf Club

Sledgers who took to the grounds of Burnley Golf Club to make the most of the weekend's snow have been branded "inconsiderate and disgusting" after vandalising the grounds and leaving the scenic area strewn with litter.
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Police officers have been dealing with the issue after bosses from the club reported the anti-social behaviour caused over the weekend.

Now, officials have warned they will stop people from using their land after staff and volunteers spent the past few days clearing the mess - dozens of bags of rubbish which have filled a skip!

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Secretary of the club, Alan Green, said he was "upset and appalled" when he discovered the rubbish dumped and destruction caused. He commented: "It's been horrendous. People arrived in cars blocking drive ways, they pulled walls down, lit fires, drove 4x4 into the green, but most of all left broken sledges, empty beer cans and empty glass and plastic bottles, rubbish absolutely everywhere. It's disgusting.

Discarded sledges abandoned at Burnley Golf Club. Photo credit Gary BladesDiscarded sledges abandoned at Burnley Golf Club. Photo credit Gary Blades
Discarded sledges abandoned at Burnley Golf Club. Photo credit Gary Blades

"I cannot believe people would leave all this stuff everywhere without any conscience. And I am amazed how during lockdown people travelled from far and wide not just to sledge, but to socialise in large groups. At one time there were 200 people on site. They were not exercising, but in fact breaking lockdown restrcitions and socialising when they are supposed to stay at home.

"Staff and volunteers from the club have spent days clearing the mess and we've already filled a skip. It's not fair on local residents who have had their drives blocked or have been disturbed by the noise and rubbish dumped."

He added: "The damage caused is going to cost hundreds, if not thousands to repair. We are seriously considering banning people from using our land. This is a real shame for people who have enjoyed our grounds in previous years, but the minority of people who disrespected our property have left us with no choice."

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Alan revealed that staff managing the course had also been on the receiving end of verbal and physical abuse from the troublemakers.

Tyre marks left on the green. Photo by Gary BladesTyre marks left on the green. Photo by Gary Blades
Tyre marks left on the green. Photo by Gary Blades

He explained: "Anti-social youths gathered in the evenings hurling snowballs at the steward's cottage. It's been horrendous."

Police investigations are ongoing into the incident.

PCSO Alex Catterall, of Lancashire Police, said: "For years the golf club has allowed people to use their land for sledging during winter, but people being disrespectful are threatening your enjoyment. If you see it, challenge or report it.

"If this keeps happening the club has been advised by ourselves to stop everyone coming onto their land and we will support them in this.

"Let's be clear, 99% of people sledging will be decent folk. I'm asking you to report or challenge people (as you feel appropriate) who are causing damage or disorder."