A 120-YEAR-OLD bowls club may be forced to leave its historic home because of a group of ‘mindless’ yobs terrorising members.

In recent weeks the South Park Bowls Club in Darlington has been the target of a group of about ten to 15-youths who are making members’ lives a misery.

The teenagers have been stealing equipment, throwing rink markers at the bowlers and riding bikes across the green whilst players are bowling.

The yobs have also shouted obscenities at members and are threatening the future growth of the club, club secretary Scott Morland said.

He added: “All of this is very intimidating, we have children bowling from the age of 11 and pensioners up to 80-years-old.

“Not only is it not pleasant, it’s damaging the green, making bowlers consider quitting and is severely hindering our attempts to recruit new players.

“We had already advertised for players and signed up five but a few have been put off by the aggro.

“We are having to consider leaving the park if this continues, this would mean no more bowls at the park as we are the last remaining club there.

“120-years of history gone in a flash because of a few mindless teenagers.”

The club is looking to implement some security measures but it would cost £10,000 to have the green perimeter fully secured.

And if members paid to have security guards at their matches, it would cost about £1,000 per year.

Members have taken to social media to condemn the actions of the youths, and this attracted the attention of Francis Jones of Sparta security and BBC Rent a Cop fame who said he would like to help the club.

Darlington police and the council are also aware of the problem and a council spokesman said: “It is regrettable and upsetting that the thoughtless behaviour of a small group of people is spoiling the enjoyment of what is a wonderful park and community asset.

"We are aware of the issues facing the bowling club and sympathise with the upset experienced by their members.

"We have offered to meet with them to discuss how we can work with them, the Police and our ASB (anti-social behaviour) team to try and tackle this problem.

"We have already made some suggestions and will be meeting with them soon to discuss this further.”

Darlington Police are also launching their Operation Staysafe on May 27 to coincide with year 11s leaving school.

South Park will be on the list of potential anti-social hotspot areas and will see an increased police presence during the campaign.