Thetford Town Football Club is considering stronger security after an unauthorised encampment left its youth pitches damaged and covered in rubbish.
Thetford Town Football Club is considering new security measures after an unauthorised encampment occupied its youth football pitches.
Around 20 caravans arrived at the Mundford Road site after access was reportedly gained by breaking locks and damaging a gate. Volunteers stayed at the grounds throughout the weekend to protect the club’s buildings, equipment and playing surfaces.
The club says vehicles were driven across pitches used by its youth teams, raising concerns about damage ahead of the new football season. It had recently spent thousands of pounds on grass seed, fertiliser and other work to improve the playing surfaces.
After the encampment left, volunteers carried out a major clean-up operation. Five trailer loads of waste were reportedly removed, including cans, discarded car parts and used nappies.
Club officials are now considering stronger barriers and other security improvements to prevent vehicles gaining unauthorised access in future.
Norfolk Police said officers attended an encampment at the council-run leisure centre next to the football pitches and engaged with those at the site. The council issued notices, while police are investigating a report of criminal damage to the gate between the leisure centre and football ground.
The club’s youth section supports more than 200 players from under-sevens to under-18s.

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