Heavy machinery has dug up poisoned pitches at Dubbo's main cricket ground in a bid to combat the results of suspected vandalism.
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Dubbo City Council advised on Friday it would excavate the centre of Victoria Park No. 1 Oval because of abnormally high toxicity in the soil that was stopping the growth of new turf.
Yesterday the surface that was to see leather and willow wielded for the season was put out of action for a period of weeks.
The excavation of all five pitches was undertaken, the first step towards recovery for the ground that normally hosts representative and top-grade matches.
The square is set to be replaced with new soil and couch turf before Christmas, at an estimated cost of between $30,000 and $40,000.
Council parks and landcare services director Murray Wood said on Friday the damage - first detected some weeks ago - had been reported to police and the council's insurer.
"This has been a frustrating and distressing time for council staff and the Dubbo District Cricket Association as it appears this is a deliberate action that has caused disruption to the regular cricket season and significant cost to council," he said then.
"However, there are several important events coming up in the new year including an inaugural junior Cricket NSW representative tournament and it is important to quickly get the pitches back to a high standard."