Traveller taunts residents threatening he ‘will be back’ after damaging football field near Chesterfield

Travellers, who left the football field off The Avenue in Wingerworth late on Saturday, September 5, trashed the pitch with litter, human waste, burnt-out grass patches and tyre marks found.

A video showing a car and a bike travelling across the football field has sparked anger with many calling for action in response to criminal damage.

Now Valentino Price has come forward claiming he was one of the people in the video.

In response to comments condemning the damage, Price admitted his action on Facebook and threatened to return next year.

Commenting on the Derbyshire Times Facebook post, he said: “That was me. Back there next year. Can’t wait.”

Maggie Thomas responded: “You enjoy spoiling facilities that local people benefit from?”

Tracey Wren added: “Valentino Price. Nothing to be proud about.”

Tagging Derbyshire police, Jess Fightslife said: “Valentino Price. Derbyshire Constabulary this lad is admitting to criminal damage!”

The encampment was in place at the football pitch off The Avenue in Wingerworth for around a week with travellers leaving the site late on Saturday night, September 5.

Litter pickers attended the area on Sunday, September 6 to clean the ground and the Land Trust has advised that the multiple piles of fly-tipped waste and human excrement would be cleaned up by the end of this week.

Wingerworth Junior Sports Association (JSA) launched a Go Fund Me page to restore the damaged football grounds – with over £2,000 raised in just two days.

Derbyshire Constabulary said no arrests have been made in connection with the criminal damage reports.

When asked by the Derbyshire Times why the group wouldn’t face repercussions after calls from residents for action to be taken, a spokesperson for the force said: “No arrests have been made. We wouldn’t comment as to why we would, or wouldn’t make arrests.”