Glass found under kids’ football pitch after departure of traveller encampment

Toddington Rovers FC have not played a home match since travellers illegally camped at The Glebe on April 3, leaving thousands of pounds worth of damage.

It was reported that during the stay travellers set off fires during a “huge drinking party” and drove vehicles around the field, damaging the pitch.

Contract cleaners, commissioned to clear the site on behalf of Toddington Parish Council, have subsequently found smashed bottles buried in the ground with broken glass pointing upwards.

The club has maintained that a ball will not be kicked on the field until the safety of children is secured, meaning that close examination of every blade of glass is needed.

Villagers are being called on to help with the effort to span the width of the ptich and remove glass from the turf from 6.30 this evening.

Club secretary Peter Ward said: “Unless we get this cleared the parish council are reluctant to let us play and we don’t want to organise anything unless the safety of the children is assured.

“Easter has given us a bit of respite with fixtures but we also have had to cancel an academy for young children that runs through the holidays.

“We need at least 20 people to help us clear the glass that was deliberately left under the soil.”