BEWDLEY Town Football Club has been been targeted by thieves for the seventh time in recent months.

Thousands of pounds-worth of damage has been caused at the volunteer-run club, with six bags of children’s footballs being taken.

Newly-installed CCTV cameras have been smashed and a steel door was broken.

Money saved for improving the pitch will now have to be spent on a new alarm system directly connected to the police station.

Manager Craig Payton said: “It’s just another step we didn’t want to have to take.

“We are absolutely gutted - it seems like one step forward and two steps back. We’re all volunteers and we’re now in a situation where all the good work we have done is being wrecked.

“We’re worried all the time we’re here now.”

Mr Payton added he was “disgusted” that the children’s footballs had been stolen during the raid, which took place between last Friday night and Saturday morning.

It is expected to cost up to £5,000 to get the club back up and running. Although they are covered by insurance, Mr Payton explained it could take “months” to get the equipment replaced.

So far this year the club has shelled out £1,000 to repair the locks after other break-ins. Fuel, water pumps and a £3,000 sit-down mower have also been taken in recent weeks.

“It’s a crying shame because this is knocking the club back,” Mr Payton added.

“In the last couple of months we just seem to be spending money on security which should be spent on the running of the club.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should call police on 0300 333 3000 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.