MEMBERS of a Valleys golf club say they are under siege from a hard core of young vandals using the greens as drinking dens and setting fires there.

Green two at Blackwood golf course has been badly scorched and members are now fearful that a recent spate of vandalism will only get worse if nothing is done to curtail it.

In the past few weeks, the club has seen: Flags stolen and used as spears to throw into the ground Large parties on the course and empty beer cans dumped on the greens Verbal abuse of members who challenge trespassing youngsters Youngsters armed with air rifles using a wooded area to target squirrels and birds.

Committee members at the club, alarmed by the rise in this anti-social behaviour, have now approached Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge to pursue a partnership with the police and local authority to stamp out the behaviour. Members of the club declined an interview for fear of reprisals.

But Councillor Etheridge said: "I think this is a cry for help from the club and I'm appalled and dismayed that this is going on. We have organised a meeting with the police and I would like some firm action being taken over it.

"I will be pursuing this at the highest level within the police and council in order that prompt action is taken against the persons involved.

"Having spoken to several members I know they are absolutely fed up."

Police Constable Sandra Evans, the crime and disorder reduction officer at Blackwood police station, said: "There have been a very limited number of incidents reported to us but as a result of contact made by a representative of the golf club, Inspector Heather Jones will be meeting with them to discuss their concerns and seek a way forward."

PC Evans added: "The new police community support officers in Blackwood have now been tasked with patrolling on the footpaths that run adjacent to the golf course and the Grove Park estate."