VANDALS have been using quad bikes and off-road vehicles to ‘chew up’ the football pitches in Redbrook - and locals have become fed up of the ongoing issue.

Similar incidents have been happening across the borough in recent weeks, most notably as thugs cut down a fence to destroy the pitches at Netherwood Academy last week.

They’ve now turned their attention to Redbrook - in particular Harry Road’s playing fields.

Local resident David Fawcett told the Chronicle that the damage is ‘unbelievable’.

He added: “Quad bikes have been on the field and they’ve deliberately destroyed them.

“We get young people on there and it gives them a lot of enjoyment.

“But these people have just chewed it up.

“The damage is unbelievable.”

David praised Coun Trevor Cave for his work in supporting residents.

“The council have put three different sized football pitches on that site,” he said.

“They’ve spent a lot of money and I think it’s outrageous that this has been done to the pitches.

“Coun Cave is doing a lot to try and stop it.

“But it’s getting out of hand now.”

Coun Cave and Coun Sharon Howard both raised the issue in North Area Council earlier this week.

He said: “The solution to this problem lies within our community.

“Partnership working with South Yorkshire Police, Barnsley Council's Safer Neighbourhood Team and others, supported by residents and local councillors, will help identify those who continue to blight our public spaces with selfish and illegal off-road bike riding.

“I encourage all those with information on those responsible to report it via 101, the South Yorkshire Police website or even anonymously via Crimestoppers.

“Our residents have a right to feel safe where they live.”