Spoilsports: yobs tear up new sports pitch with quad bike

Pupils were devastated after returning to Hyrstmount Junior School this week to find it ruined.

The synthetic pitch, which cost £178,000, had only been relaid in June and was open to the community over the summer holidays.

Business manager Michaela Prince said: “It has been very popular with the children so whoever has done this are just idiots.

“They have ruined the pitch for the local community and not just our school, but other schools who also use the facilities.”

The incident took place between the evening of Wednesday August 28 and the following morning.

It is believed the damage was caused a red quad bike, which got into the school grounds from the nearby rugby field’s car park.

The bike was repeatedly ridden on the pitch causing parts of it to tear.

Mrs Prince said: “The pitch cannot be used because it is a potential trip hazard.

“The playing facilities will unfortunately be closed for the near future.”

Pupils at Purlwell Infant and Nursery School also used the facilities in Mount Pleasant.

Headteacher Shazia Azhar said: “Our children thoroughly enjoyed using the pitch at Hyrstmount Junior School and we are saddened to hear about the unjustifiable damage caused by thoughtless individuals.”

Pupils at Hyrstmount Junior School celebrated the reopening of the pitch with a variety of sporting activities in June.

Mrs Prince said the children used the all weather pitch for everything from playing sports to simply running around during their break times.

A police spokesman said: “Police are investigating an incident of criminal damage at Hyrstmount J&I school after damage was caused to the astro turf pitch by a quad bike.

“The offenders appear to have repeatedly ridden over the pitch causing it to tear.”

Anyone with any information should contact Batley Neighbourhood Policing Team on 01924 295301.