POLICE are appealing for information after mindless vandals caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Barnard Castle’s mini golf course.
A fibreglass sheep, which was one of the newest features at the Scar Top attraction, was smashed and left in a nearby garden some time after 7pm last Thursday night (October 31).
The figure cost £900 and had only been in place for less than a week. The installation was part of a £4,500 revamp for the town council-run course which was funded by profits from the season.
The other new features include a river with stone fish and a castle gate for players to hit their balls through. These were left untouched.
Deputy town mayor, Cllr Frank Harrison, said: “I am very disappointed and annoyed.
“It is a pure act of senseless vandalism by mindless yobs.”
Police would like to speak to anyone who might have any information regarding the incident. PC Dave Williamson said: “There was a large group of youths gathered on Scar Top on the night.
“I would suspect that someone would know who is responsible.”
The mini-golf course was redeveloped in 2013 and is themed A Journey Through Teesdale.
Eggleston sculptor Phil Townsend designed and created six carved stone features which adorn the course depicting the Market Cross, The Bowes Museum, Egglestone Abbey, the County Bridge and the castle.
There were calls from residents for improvements this spring after it was revealed that visitor numbers to the attraction dipped last year, with just 4,787 rounds played compared to 5,471 in 2017 and 7,040 in 2016.
Last month councillors revealed that the attraction had made a net income of £9,209 this year up until October 13 – seven per cent down on last year. As part of the revamp, information boards are being put up next to the holes, giving users tips on how to approach each one.
Rotten wood is also being replaced under guarantee by Urban Crazy, which created the original course.
Anyone with information about last week’s incident should contact PC Williamson at Barnard Castle Police on 101.
