VANDALS have destroyed five padlocks and caused serious damage to one of the gates at Wellington Tennis Club. 

Chairman Sue Rackley said: “This damage is very distressing and we need to make an insurance claim to get the gate repaired.

“We have heard that padlocks at the cricket and football clubs, along with Wellington Park, have all been damaged. The police have been informed.”

She added: “Last Tuesday a member of the tennis club noticed the alarm at The  Pavilion was going and alerted the police. However, our padlock damage was discovered on Friday.

“It is hoped CCTV footage from The Pavilion will reveal who did this and they are questioned by the police.

“This was a mindless act. We cannot afford to replace expensive padlocks, so have bolted the gates, which means the public court will not be available for public bookings until the gate repairs can be carried out.”