MONIFIETH COUNCILLOR Rob Murray last night condemned as senseless idiots the vandals who ruined the town’s popular Blue Seaway bowling green.

The actions of the yobs put paid to the gala day held at the facility every year by Monifieth’s older residents, who club together to pay the council rent for use of the green.

One said, “We were looking forward to a day of bowling, bingo and sing-songs, but these mindless kids have put paid to that—it just takes the heart out of you.”

Council workers discovered the damage yesterday morning and fear it could be weeks before the green is playable.

The vandals threw stones and rocks over much of the lawn, cycled across the green and threw stones into the tennis courts.

Mr Murray said, “This mindless act will have an effect on decent youngsters during the summer, when the facility is most used.”

He added, “Five years ago the council redeveloped the whole area after lengthy consultation with schools, playgroups and youth clubs so that Blue Seaway would provide young people with what they wanted.

“There’s a wheeled sports area, two adventure playparks and a putting green in addition to the skatepark, bowling green and tennis courts.

“It’s a popular venue that is visited by people from all over Tayside and beyond.

“Let’s hope it can be restored as quickly as possible so that a few senseless idiots will not have spoiled the pleasure of everyone else.”

Karen Dillon from Angus Council’s parks department said, “A few weeks ago the skatepark here was vandalised and this morning we saw the bowling green had been done too.”

She continued, “They ruined the skatepark for the kids and now they’ve ruined the bowling green for everybody who uses it—it seems to be the exact same sort of thing as happened to the skatepark.”

The bowling green is overlooked by several residential properties, yet it appears the vandals were able to go about their business uninterrupted.

“It must have been daylight when they did it so they could see what they were writing—somebody must have seen something,” said one passer-by.

A spokeswoman for Angus Council said, “We are currently reviewing the damage at the bowling green to allow us to undertake appropriate repairs.”

Police investigating the incident, said that the vandals caused over £700 worth of damage to the green.

A spokesperson said the green was targeted some time between 5pm on Monday and 8am yesterday.

“A number of items left at the scene are being examined and officers are carrying out inquiries in the local area in a bid to identify those responsible.

“Anyone who knows who is responsible for this mindless vandalism should get in touch with Tayside Police on 0845 600 5705 or speak to any police officer.”