Thousands of pounds have been raised for a historic football ground, recently used as a major filming location, after it was repeatedly trashed by vandals.

A large group is reported to have broken into Crockenhill FC's Wested Meadow home in Swanley last month to stage a game against Covid-19 guidelines.

The ground was broken into on several occasions with an emergency gate broken in the latest incident.

During the trespass, vandals caused damage to recently relaid turf, kicked holes in fence posts and left beer cans and litter strewn across the pitch.

Club volunteer Jade Cullen, 33, said: "Unfortunately we recently have had trespassers that have damaged our property, pitch, fencing and historic turnstiles by illegally coming on to the property and destroying it.

"We have had a few problems up here in July but nothing this crazy."

It's been made more frustrating for volunteers who had recently secured goals for youths to play at the village's recreational ground after complaints over a lack of places to play football.

latest vandalism incident at Crockenhill FC's Wested Meadow home ground

Covid-19 has prevent the team from playing at its Eynsford Road ground for most of the season.

Like many non-league clubs it has suffered financially, does not qualify for government support grants and is entirely reliant on volunteers.

Jade, whose dad is acting chairman of Crockenhill FC, said: "We run it as a hobby so for someone to come along and trash it.

"We don't get any financial funding because we only get a one year lease. We are doing all the work ourselves."

A fundraiser has since been set up to help cover the cost of materials and tools to repair the damaged fence and upgrade CCTV. It has raised more than £1,300 in two weeks.

In return for any contribution the club is welcoming people to come and watch a game when safe to return.

Crockenhill FC is also being supported by fast food chain and sponsor Wimpy where Jade works as a franchisee.

The business manager said: "My dad has given 30 years of time, we have been here since kids and my brothers have played for the first team.

"But when people do things like this it is not ideal."

Following the wave of donations she added: "Thank you so much to everyone that has donated over the last two weeks we have been overwhelmed with the response we have had and gives us such great positivity that there are so many wonderful people out who care about Crockenhill as much as we do.

"Please keep donating, we are currently looking into new fences panels, foundations etc and some additional merchandise for updating our CCTV to allow safety for everyone in the area."

Crockenhill FC is currently a member of the Kent County League and last year celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Its West Meadow ground was used as backdrop for the 2018 comedy film The Bromley Boys.

Set in the late 60s and early 70s it features the story of a young boy supporting his local team Bromley FC, who at the time were dubbed "the worst football team in Britain".

It is not the first club to fall foul of recent vandalism with Lordswood FC's ground targeted in Medway and Faversham's Stike Force ground being hit too.

Kent Police spokesman Nicola Forman said: "We have received a report of criminal damage at a football ground in Eynsford Road, Swanley.

"It is reported that on three occasions between 14 February 2021 and 27 February 2021 unknown suspects have caused damage to the turf and fences."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting reference 46/32652/21.

To donate to the fundraiser click here.

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