New Great Barr tennis court attacked

A new £40,000 tennis court in Great Barr has been attacked by vandals less than two weeks after it was completed.

Yobs targeted one of five courts in Red House Park last weekend, ripping the net away from its post.

The Friends of Red House Park, who campaigned for the new court, say it beggars belief to see all the hard work undone by mindless vandalism, and a ward councillor said it was a sad indictment on society.

Work started last September to relay the new courts and install fencing around the perimeter.

The chairman of the Friends of Red House Park Bill Gunn, aged 77, said: "At Easter,, the courts were full with adults and children enjoying themselves.

"There were so many people having fun and now somebody has done this. It is just beggars belief that it has happened so quickly."

Councillor Tony Ward, of Charlemont with Grove Vale ward, branded the vandals complete idiots.

He said: "I think it is a sad indictment on society that we have one half of society working hard to help repair things and keep the park nice.

"Then there is a group of idiots who are out there trying to ruin it for everybody else. The Friends group has worked so hard to try and make that park nice."

Sandwell's leisure chief, Councillor Linda Horton said: "We are meeting with the Friends to discuss the situation, but we will endeavour to pay for the replacement nets.

"It is extremely sad that they have been damaged so quickly after the tennis courts were refurbished."

Councillor Horton added: "I would urge people using the park who see anyone causing any vandalism to report it immediately."