MINDLESS vandals are the bane of all our towns and communities.

Random attacks, usually by gangs of roaming youths, or by young adults after the pubs have closed, are unfortunately a common occurrence, but sickening to everyone who cares about their community.

But it's especially sickening when the vandalism is clearly pre-meditated, aimed at causing as much heartache, stress and damage as possible.

Rawdon Cricket Club's first team wicket and two others were attacked with spades and huge pieces of turf hacked out.

Because the damage is in the worst possible place, where the ball 'pitches' in front of the stumps, club chiefs are convinced the attack was calculated.

It's going to cost the club at least £1,000 to put right and but for the hard work of groundstaff, would have caused even more heartache and inconvenience

Decent people are at a total loss to understand what people get out of such a nasty and malicious attack - but it is important that the vandals do not have the last laugh.

We need to carry on with dignity and decency like Rawdon Cricket Club has done and send a message to these yobs that people will not be beaten by them and that we will carry on regardless of their actions

l It is heart-warming to see that a brave campaign by a group of Otley pensioners to have a life-line footbridge restored is one in the eye for the local authorities who dragged their heels for the past 18 months hoping that the residents would just go away.

They didn't and their constant lobbying and energy is an inspiration to us all.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.