WalesOnline readers have expressed fury and concern after bikes damaged a golf course, noting the issue is occurring across numerous locations and proving difficult to prevent.
A Carmarthenshire golf club has condemned vandals after bikers destroyed one of its greens by riding across the grass, leaving deep tyre tracks behind and rendering the surface unplayable. The incident occurred at Ashburnham Golf Club, originally established in 1894, in Burry Port sometime after 6pm on Sunday, October 11.
Club reports 'unacceptable' destruction to police
The club suspects that two bikes were driven onto the 12th green on the course – described by top100golfcourses.com as "one of the finest and oldest golf courses in Wales" – though the exact type of vehicles involved remains unclear.
No CCTV cameras monitor the vicinity of the 12th green but club representatives have informed Dyfed-Powys Police about the "unacceptable" destruction. WalesOnline has approached Dyfed-Powys Police for comment.
Readers share anger and frustration
One reader, Tjh52 comments: "This type are let loose everywhere, the police do not seem to bother them!"
Christineaustin replies: "We've had the same problem but it's not grass it's a car park, for 15 years we've had to put up with men racing around the car park just across the road from our houses, a few weeks ago we phoned the police and we were told we had to phone environmental health, we phoned environmental health they told us it was a matter for the police, we've been in touch with councillors, nobody wants to know, as long as these people can get paid for sitting in their offices day in day out they don't care."
Stunky adds: "What's going on? No respect for anything. Property, people, police. Catch them and send them to prison in El Salvador. That will do nicely."
Broader concerns over policing and society
Youvegottabejoking writes: "I'm not a follower of golf sadly, but this is just unacceptable. These bikes/scooters are everywhere, and the police just don't want to know; it's prob not that they are not interested, but that they can't catch them. Get a few on the beat with scooters, I say."
Oneeyedscarlet says: "All well and good blame the police but they really don’t have the resources to deal with this they are thread bare due to cuts by the government."
CRH05 asks: "Why does a large portion of our society feel the need to destroy things? It’s such a waste. We seem to have no pride in ourselves anymore. It makes me so worried for my grandchildren and their children. What type of world will it be then?"
Tjh52 feels: "The whole society has lost its way! No respect for anyone or anything!"
Facebook reactions and wider impact
Over on our Facebook page, Mike D commented: "Given that this affects rich people, it's guaranteed to have all of the police response now."
Chris M feels: "It's the norm now everywhere, parents were benefit babies themselves and don't care."
Pete H thinks: "It is very easy to write this off as a few toffs having their fun spoiled, but golf is very much a game for working-class people now, and this vandalism is very much symptomatic of the society in which we live today – shame."
Anne D says: "Unfortunately, this is the society we live in today. People who think they can do anything, regardless of whether it is against the law. It’s a wonder it wasn’t filmed and put on YouTube."
Carrie-ann B adds: "Glebelands park in Newport too, kids football & rugby pitches all games cancelled."
How would you deal with the culprits if they were to be caught? Comment below or HERE to have your say.
