VANDALS have targeted a football club based at a Deeside beauty spot where anti-social behaviour is said to "out of control".

FC Nomads of Connah's Quay suffered the damage at its ground in Wepre Park as vandals cut through the mental fence which surrounds its pitch.

The steel fence was erected to protect the pitch and the club's facilities - but last week tools were used to cut a gap in the fence.

Cllr Bernie Attridge, is chairman of the club - which runs five junior sides and veterans team.

He told the Leader : "I am absolutely devastated - the parents and the club's committee work so hard to provide some of the best facilities in the region for our kids for things like this to happen.

"They used to climb over the fence which wasn't great, to bring tools with them this time to cut the fence is on another level.

"The dug outs are always full of drugs paraphernalia and empty cans and bottles - it's heartbreaking."

The Leader: A fence around FC Nomads' ground was cut through.A fence around FC Nomads' ground was cut through.

And it's not just FC Nomads which is being affected by anti-social behaviour issues - which have reportedly worsened during the pandemic.

Cllr Attridge said: "I spoke to the Wepre Park Ranger the other day and he said the issues are out of control.

"They're setting fires and vandalising things. I'd urge local parents to try and make sure they know what their kids are up to when they're out."

He said there has been £200 worth of damage to the fencing, and that CCTV cameras may have to be purchased in an effort to deter future problems.

Cllr Attridge added: "We need to see North Wales Police stepping up patrols in the area.

"The club simply can't afford to keep repairing things. Things like this do make you think why bother, but we're not giving in to them."