Rob Collins, who lives nearby, said the vandals initially struck at 9pm on Sunday and again at 3am on Monday, driving around the fields doing circle work and tearing up the grass.

They left the field unusable for training in the foreseeable future.

“These two idiots went round and round the paddock ploughing it all up, they were here at 9am and came back again at 3am,” Mr Collins said.

 “They were skidding and sliding all over the place in a 4WD, like kids going out to play.

“I’ve been to council - they shrugged it off and said there isn’t much they can do. I called the police twice but it takes them too long to get out there. I know there’s at least one football team who trains there three times a week. They won’t be able to do so now.”

Mr Collins said he contacted the Western Advocate because it was time someone stood up to try and get something done to improve the park.

“Walmer Park is an asset for people living in this area,” he said.

“It’s surrounded by public and high density housing and used for by a lot of people; not only the footballers who train here, but kids who live in the area as well.”

Mr Collins said he had contacted council on several occasions about problems in the area, ranging from graffiti painted on buildings to the fact the lights in the park need replacing, but it seems his calls have fallen on deaf ears.

He said that when he contacted council recently because only three of 12 floodlights work he was told the park is not used at night time.

He said he has also contacted council regarding the fact there are no rubbish bins or seating in the area.

“Two tables and seats were removed two years ago [from the area]. It is not known where these facilities were placed but Walmer Park has no facilities for public enjoyment,” he said.

Mr Collins said he doesn’t know what the answer to the problem is, but said it is council’s responsibility to do something.

“Eighty per cent of the playing surface is too dangerous to be used by anyone, and Bathurst ratepayers will be expected to refund the repair,” he said.

He also said he believed it was clear that council had other priorities, and apart from occasionally mowing the park, had made no capital investment in public facilities which would enhance the facility.

Bathurst mayor Gary Rush said council would continue to monitor acts of vandalism at Walmer Park. He said Bathurst residents were fortunate to live in a community where, for the most part, people were very respectful of local parks gardens and interacted appropriately with community assets.

“Overwhelmingly we live in a very peaceful and safe community where our sports and recreation facilities are well used and valued by all,” Cr Rush said.

“Putting this recent incident [at Walmer Park] into perspective, such mindless single acts of vandalism are usually just that and do not make sense to most of us.

“However, council will continue to monitor the situation and take into consideration the needs and concerns of residents and all users of the facility in any future course of action in regards to fencing or other preventative measures if required.”