Vandals have caused damage to Bury FC's Gigg Lane stadium - just weeks before the club is hoping to make a triumphant return to football following a rocky few years.
Bury FC bosses have 'raised concerns' with Bury Council and Greater Manchester Police following an increase in vandalism and trespassing at Gigg Lane stadium - including an incident at the weekend where a group of youths were said to have broken into a toilet block before setting off fireworks.
The offenders then smashed panels and damaged parts around the stadium. The club said the youths left behind evidence with their names on, which suggests those involved are still at school. The club said the schools in question have been informed.
In a statement on Tuesday (April 12), Bury FC said: “Following conversations with GMP and Bury Council, we have raised concerns due to the increase in trespassers entering Gigg Lane, causing damage and disruption to #TheGiggCleanup. Due to data protection, we cannot share the CCTV images and videos on social media but they will be circulated to the relevant parties so that they can identify the people involved.
"Over the weekend the group of 4 (believed to be aged 11-18) broke into the toilet block and set off fireworks. They also smashed panels and damaged parts around the stadium. The initial group left some documents with their names on and their school have been informed, so they will now deal with that on their return from the Easter break.”
The 136-year-old football club has been actively trying to get back on its feet after a difficult few years. Bury FC was kicked out of the Football League in 2019 and then subsequently fell into administration. Two supporters groups, Forever Bury and Est. 1885, later successfully lodged a bid to acquire the iconic stadium, club, name and memorabilia.
In January, having received the keys to the iconic stadium for the first time, the new owners told the M.E.N the stadium was in need of repair. "There's been vandalism and damage and it's not been looked after, particularly in the rooms and in the lounge," Math Pickup, from Est. 1885, said.
Fans have arranged a series of clean-ups at the stadium, dubbed #TheGiggCleanup, to help ‘put it back into shape’. Bury Football Club Supporters Society said more than 1,000 volunteers have helped to clean up Gigg Lane so far.
Today’s statement added: “Bury Football Club Supporters Society and the benefactors would like to place on record a huge thank you to the army of over 1,000 volunteers who have supported us so far in cleaning and renovating Gigg Lane.
“Gigg Lane is a huge community asset and will be accessible to community groups and businesses. It will bring much needed revenue into the town through matchdays and additional events, and have a positive impact on the whole of Bury.”
Bury FC's women's team will grace the famed Gigg Lane pitch later this month with their final three home games. The match against Fleetwood Town Wrens on April 24 will mark the first time a football game has been played at Gigg Lane in three years.
Anyone with information relating to any incidents of vandalism or trespassing at the stadium can contact Bury FC directly on operations@buryfcss.co.uk or contact Greater Manchester Police via their website.
