MEMBERS of Hexham House Bowling Club – who play at one of the town’s best-loved beauty spots – are being plagued by incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Police were called to the bowling green, behind Hexham Abbey, on Bank Holiday Monday after club members found the green damaged and benches removed.

“The green was covered in rubble and chairs had been thrown into the dene. Some ended up in the burn,” said committee member Norman Brotherton.

“There were tyre marks all over the green as well. It’s just mindless damage.”

But it’s not the first time police have been called. Members said youngsters often climbed on to the pavilion roof and, in September, the green was left littered with roof slates.

“On Friday night, we had to phone the police again,” added Malcolm Robinson.

“There must have been 20 or 30 kids sitting along the wall and they started throwing branches and stones.”

One branch hit the arm of a female player but, thankfully, she wasn’t injured.

Malcolm added: “It’s not just the club affected. Other people and businesses have suffered disturbances.

“It’s intimidating for walkers to see such big groups. It’s so sad because this is such a lovely setting.”

Tynedale’s Neighbourhood Inspector Pam Bridges said: “There have also been several recent incidents of anti-social behaviour in the Sele Park area of Hexham and we are stepping up patrols around the park.

“We are working with partners to stop this kind of offending. We want people to be able to come and enjoy spending time at parks.”

Anyone with information on those responsible can call police on 101.