Vandals have caused thousands of pounds of damage - and potentially risked life - at a Ramsgate recreation ground.

One of the floodlight columns at Jackey Bakers ground was unbolted from its ground fixings and then smashed into the ground, damaging both the column and the light head, with all floodlit bookings for the synthetic pitch cancelled.

Thanet council says that following checks, it has been confirmed that the only option is to replace the lights at a cost of between £7,000 and £12,000. Cllr Shirley Tomlinson, cabinet member for commercial services, described the attack that happened late on Saturday night or early Sunday morning (February 14/15) as "mindless vandalism."

She said: "The people responsible have cost taxpayers dear and impacted on local groups, planning to use the pitch this week.

"Perhaps more worryingly, this type of vandalism puts their own lives - and the lives of others - in danger. It’s the first time that we’ve seen such extreme vandalism and obviously that’s of great concern to us. In this case, the electrics were left exposed and a column like this crashing to the ground would have been lethal, had anyone been in the way at the time."

Insp Terry Chuter, neighbourhood inspector for Ramsgate and Broadstairs, said: "This vandalism is likely to affect the groups using the site during half term, which makes it really disappointing for the whole community."

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