A SPATE of vandalism has pushed a 125-year-old football club to the brink of closure.

Evenwood Town AFC has suffered its second break-in within a week, the third this year, and fires have been started in a pavilion.

Manager Ken Houlahan told the D&S Times that evidence of drinking and drugs had been found and he felt the police could do more to help. If the club was under threat, it would have dire consequences for the Miners' Welfare Ground, as the trusteeship was in the process of being transferred to the football club's charity.

"The subsequent development plans include new changing rooms, a social club, a health and fitness suite, a new gym, a drop-in centre for youths and an all-weather facility," he added. "We have got over the first obstacle and there is a long way to go in attracting funding. But it is vital this gets sorted out or the whole facilities could be lost to the community."

He told how club officials were unhappy with the response of local police, whom he said had been given the names of those allegedly involved.

He said the club did a lot of work with youth, but a minority seemed intent on spoiling things for everyone.

"It's a shame, but these toerags don't give a toss about the projects we put on," he added.

It was not so much the cost of the damage, but the hours of manpower it took up. Mr Houlahan said it was difficult enough getting volunteers without them having to face extra work before a match.

The vandalism at the football ground has been matched by a spate around the village itself.

Insp Ian Butler, of Bishop Auckland police, said he was aware of the problems faced by the club and that local beat bobby PC Andy Currie had increased his patrols of the area following an increase in anti-social behaviour in recent months.

PC Currie has been liaising with anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, Phil Shaw, and both had visited parents of persistent offenders and were considering issuing acceptable behaviour contracts and anti-social behaviour orders.

Insp Butler said: "We're trying to pin down and identify those responsible and will take the appropriate action.

"We've visited all the licensed premises in the local area and feel confident that the licensees and shopkeepers are fully aware of their responsibilities," he added. "We encourage anybody who sees anyone committing a criminal offence to report it to us and their identity will be kept confidential."