Pilks Recs face uncertain future after thieves strike (From St Helens Star)

Pilks Recs face uncertain future after thieves strike

5:30pm Thursday 9th July 2009

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WITH furniture torn apart, floorboards ripped up, and toilets destroyed, these pictures portray the shocking scale of damage copper pipe thieves inflicted on the home of a top amateur sports club.

Over the decades the Pilkington Recs City Road changing rooms have housed some of the best and most colourful characters in amateur rugby league.

So now it is a sight of destruction – that has left Recs facing an uncertain future – and sickened present day and former players connected to the historic club which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

But Recs are urging the town’s politicians to step in and take action and help them through the crisis.

The Star reported two weeks ago how the copper pipe crooks, who most commonly sell metals on for scrap, had plundered the club’s changing rooms twice inside one week.

They inflicted thousands of pounds worth of damage when they ravaged the premises to get at piping and also snatched a boiler worth more than £6,000.

Now these pictures offer evidence of why officials at the club fear the damage is irreparable.

The changing rooms are within the boarded up Windle City Social Club that closed two years ago.

Ruskin Leisure agreed that Recs and local bowling clubs could continue to use the sports facilities – but concerns have grown about the building’s security as thieves have raided unused parts of the ex-social club.

Now Recs fear that even if a fortune was spent on the repairs the site may simply become a repeat target for thieves and vandals.

Club officials have been holding talks with the property arm of Pilkington Ltd, which own the City Road site, to work out a solution.

It is understood Recs will now seek funding so temporary buildings can be erected at City Road to ensure they can use the sports fields next season But they face a race against time to have new accommodation in place as the new season is only eight weeks away.

Pilks Recs spokesman John Rees said: “This is a bitter blow to everyone connected with Recs.

“We are eager for a solution to be found and have contacted our MP Dave Watts and St Helens Council seeking help.

“So far, however, our pleas have fallen on deaf ears.”

As reported, the damage has compounded the uncertainty that has been hanging over the rugby club’s future for the past four years since Pilkington announced it would be selling off the City Road sports pitches for housing.

A planning agreement is in place stating that Recs will be provided with new facilities at the Ruskin Drive sportsground once a housebuilder has bought City Road.

However, the housing slump means the site is still unsold, leaving the rugby club in limbo.

Anyone who can help Pilks Recs’ cause can contact Billy Dillon on 07879662940

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