Council teams arrived early this morning to Devonshire Park to continue preparations for the upcoming Lexus Eastbourne Open tennis tournament, only to find extensive damage across several tennis courts.
Councillor Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “This is an outrageous act of mindless vandalism that shows total disregard for our town, our residents, and the global sporting event we are proud to host each year.
“Devonshire Park is one of Eastbourne’s greatest assets, and the council’s dedicated team have been working tirelessly to prepare the courts for the international tournament. For anyone to deliberately sabotage that work is utterly disgraceful.”
Cllr Holt confirmed that the council is working closely with Sussex Police and are reviewing CCTV footage from the site and surrounding area. In response to the incident, the council is also introducing additional security measures.
Cllr Holt said: “We will do everything possible to support the police in identifying those responsible – it is criminal damage that could have disrupted a major sporting event.
“However, despite this setback our brilliant team at Devonshire Park are working to ensure the courts are handed over to the LTA, ready for the world class tennis that we’re all looking forward to.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Sussex Police or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.
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