Whitehaven AFC targeted by vandals as signs spray painted

Whitehaven AFC has again been targeted by vandals who have spray-painted sponsors' signs and fencing outside the club's ground. 

The club said that they had spotted a group of youths spray-painting the fence and in a separate incident the sponsors' signs had been targeted. 

They say that they are a not-for-profit grassroots football club who are currently struggling with bills.

Damage caused to the Responsive banner (Image: Whitehaven AFC)

This isn't the first time the club has been the victim of vandalism; in February an emergency road sign was damaged. 

Luke Johnston, the club chairman and director, said: "A few weeks ago I was cutting the main grass pitch and I noticed some kids hanging around the gate to the club by the cycle path. 

"I stood up on the tractor and they were spray painting onto the gate. By the time I got up there they'd run off but they kept coming back once I'd gone round all the fences and carried on doing what they were doing.

"Between the weekend and Tuesday, someone's spray painted the new sponsor board we've got on Coach Road for people to put stickers on to promote the businesses that are helping us out. 

Spray painting on the fence (Image: Whitehaven AFC)

"Someone's spray painted a big smiley face onto it which we can't get off and they've also spray painted onto the Responsive banner, which is one of the club's biggest supporters. When we last had the vandalism they paid to get it fixed so they've spray painted their banner now as well."

The club added on social media: "Can parents please check if their children have spray paint in their bags, pockets, or rooms?

"By no means accusing kids of the sponsor signs as I didn’t see them but I have seen them the first time on the blue fence.

Spray painting on the fence (Image: Whitehaven AFC)

"The amount of hours that goes into keeping this club running is beyond words. We don’t need this. Both incidents were reported to the police."

Cumbria Police have said they had a report of criminal damage on April 18 with regards to spray paint on a gate then another report of criminal damage on May 16 with regards to spray paint on signage.