A NEWPORT pub which is also used as a rugby team's club house has been left reeling after being targeted by vandals.

Hartridge RFC’s club house, The Open Hearth Pub, has been attacked twice in recent weeks.

The first incident saw yobs leave it with a broken vent and smashed windows, during attempts to access the building.

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And a few days later the site in Hendre Farm Drive, Ringland, was again targeted, with even more windows smashed.

South Wales Argus:

Smashed windows at Hartridge RFC’s club house, the Open Hearth Pub (Picture: christinsleyphotography.co.uk)

Paul Osmond, who is the chairman of the club, said he feels “disgusted” over the situation.

“I think it is outrageous what they have done,” he said.

“We have done nothing to deserve this sort of behaviour.

“I feel very angry about this.

“I have not gone to the police yet, but if it happens again I will have to.

“We cannot allow people to come along and damage our building.

“To put all these things right will cost us money.”

The landlady for the pub, who did not wish to be named, added: “It is really bad what has happened. I could not believe the damage they had caused.

“I hope the culprits are found quickly.”

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Mr Osmond said CCTV footage showed the offenders grouping together surrounding benches in an attempt to access the property through one of the windows.

“That did not work so they ended up kicking in a vent and tried to get access that way - luckily they were unsuccessful again.

“If they had managed to get inside who knows what they would have done, but I know it would have been a lot worse.

“Before they left they smashed some windows.”

“Then last weekend they came back and smashed even more windows,” he added.

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Mr Osmond said three additional cameras security cameras are being installed as a result of the incidents.

He added: “This is a set back but we have all come together.

“I would also like to thank a junior player’s aunty, who has agreed to pay for the windows to be repaired through her company.”

For more information on the club, visit www.hartridgerfc.co.uk