Damage to seats, pitch and fencing at Annagh ground

The Irish League football club’s committee members recently upgraded the pitch from grass to a 3G facility at the cost of £400,000.

United can enjoy a long-held reputation as a community club, with numerous youth sides on the Annagh books as part of a thriving grassroots programme.

However, fire damage to the synthetic surface, broken seats and ripped fencing have forced United to release a stern warning against any future acts.

It is hoped this final warning - and the threat that trespassers will be reported to the authorities - can bring a welcome halt to the problem.

“Annagh facilities are privately owned and are not council-owned,” confirmed the statement. “The 3G pitch cost £400k, which we have worked hard to raise the money for and we are already looking at the next phase to improve facilities again.

“Our facilities are hired extensively by everyone in the Portadown and wider area for mainly playing football.

“The facilities are locked each day to prevent non-paying individuals from using the facilities and causing damage so that we can keep our facilities to a high standard for our paying users.

“The situation lately has become out of control, with seats and fencing being damaged and, most disturbing, the 3G surface has been damaged by individuals trying to burn parts of the grass.

“We understand that there is a lack of facilities for children to use freely in the Annagh area and we have discussed this with the ABC Council to try and help.

“We would also encourage all local residents to contact the local council and ask for help for the area.

“Therefore, anyone entering the facilities illegally or without prior booking will be ejected and the authorities will be informed.

“If you want to use the facilities, please contact us to arrange the hire.”