VANDALS have struck at a Johnstone sports hub for the second time in the space of a month.

Gashes were left on pitches at Johnstone Community Sports Complex last week after a car was driven across the surface.

A team of volunteers have been carrying out repairs and plan to erect a fence which they hope will prevent future damage.

However, as a result of the vandalism, pitch hires have been cancelled until further notice.

Mark McGee, secretary of Thorn Athletic and treasurer of the committee that runs the centre, is growing increasingly frustrated by the situation.

He said: “The Thomas Shanks pitch adjacent to ours was targeted first, after a car entered the park.

“After damaging that pitch, it drove down towards our building and along our pitch for more destruction.

“We’ve had to cancel games and kids are unable to train while we fix the damage.”

A similar incident last month saw a motorbike perform ‘doughnuts’ on the pitches.

Sergeant Alan Mack, who is based at Johnstone Police Office, said: “We were called to a report of vandalism which happened in the early hours of Sunday.

“Anyone who may have further information should contact us on 101.”