Durham County Council has been forced to take drastic measures after a series of mindless acts of vandalism left the pitches behind Consett AFC's stadium in a state of disrepair, rendering them unplayable for the local football team and its supporters.

The fields, which have been a staple of the community for years, have fallen victim to a spate of malicious damage, with reports of torn nets, destroyed goalposts, and deliberately damaged turf, sparking outrage among local residents and football fans alike.

In response to the alarming rise in vandalism, Durham County Council has begun discussions with Consett AFC to transfer ownership of the fields to the football club, in a bid to restore the pitches to their former glory and ensure their continued use by the local community.

Consett AFC, which has a long and storied history in the area, has expressed its deep disappointment and frustration at the senseless acts of vandalism, which have not only damaged the pitches but also threatened the future of football in the community.

The club's management has welcomed the council's proposal to transfer ownership of the fields, citing the need for increased security measures and a more coordinated approach to maintaining the pitches and preventing future acts of vandalism.

Local residents and supporters of Consett AFC have also rallied behind the club, condemning the mindless acts of vandalism and calling for increased action to be taken to protect the community's sporting facilities.

As the discussions between Durham County Council and Consett AFC continue, the community remains hopeful that a solution can be found to restore the pitches to their former glory and ensure the continued use of the fields by local residents and football fans.

The transfer of ownership, if successful, would not only provide a much-needed boost to the local community but also serve as a powerful deterrent to would-be vandals, sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the area.

With the future of the pitches hanging in the balance, the people of Consett and beyond will be watching with bated breath as the situation unfolds, eager to see the fields restored to their former glory and the local football team continue to thrive.