TENNIS club leaders are appealing to generous businessmen to help them beat the vandals.

Hooligans have wreaked havoc at Alsager Tennis Club, setting fire to the club house, daubing it with graffiti and destroying netting.

Used hypodermic needles and empty cans have been found at the club, and frequently-smashed club house windows have had to be boarded up.

Club leaders are now looking at surrounding the clubhouse with wire mesh fencing in a bid to keep the yobs at bay.

"The clubhouse looks so derelict, and a great deal of apathy has arisen because many members have no pride in the club,'' said club press officer Jane Lamb.

"We are now considering surrounding the clubhouse with wire mesh fencing, which would cost £3,000 and we hope would protect it.

"Ideally we would like to resite the clubhouse nearer to the entrance to the club, because where it is now it is hidden and vandals know no-one will see them.''

The club is looking for financial help for the fencing, as its own funds are needed to help towards its lottery bid.

The club is putting together a bid for lottery money to replace four courts and to provide new floodlights.

Anyone who would like to support the fencing initiative please ring club chairman Dave Robinson on 01270-877403.

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