VANDALISM at Kelty Hearts' football ground "will not be tolerated" after two youths were this week charged with causing damage there.

Police in Cowdenbeath praised the club for its dedication to the community after they snared the pair in connection with what Hearts officials said was "constant" incidents at their New Central Park home.

Last week, the Times reported that they had vowed to boot out teenagers who they said were trashing the ground while boozing and taking drugs in their stands.

Kelty, whose senior team begin their first campaign in the fifth tier of Scottish football, the Lowland League, on Saturday, hit out at the vandalism – which included burn marks being left on their 3G pitch, and seats in their new stand being damaged – and trespassing, which they said could to them losing their SFA membership licence.

The synthetic surface was installed two years ago as part of £665,000 worth of investment made by Fife Council within the £7.3 million Kelty Community Centre project.

A statement from Cowdenbeath police read: "Kelty Community Officer PC Chrystal can advise that two youths have been charged in connection with the vandalism to Kelty Hearts FC's New Central Park astroturf pitch.

"The club are dedicated to the local community and such acts will not be tolerated."

The club said they hoped the charges brought "sets an example and an end to our issues at New Central Park", having previously slammed the ongoing problems as "getting beyond a joke".

Treasurer George McTrusty explained: "We are having to get CCTV put up which could cost thousands of pounds and then monitoring it so there is the labour of that as well.

"We are planning a lot of investment – over £250,000 worth – and it is all for the community. We have got 160 kids, women’s football, under 17s, under 20s, walking football, over 35s – around 300 participants playing football. There is nothing more pleasurable than going and seeing 100 kids playing football on the park and this is spoiling it for everyone.

"They have been going on the park and burning wee holes on the surface. It is absolutely shocking. We just want the vandalism to stop so we can enjoy the football."

Fife Council's team manager Sarah Roxburgh added: "The council has invested £665,000 in this facility for the whole community to enjoy.

"It's incredibly disappointing that this enjoyment is being spoiled by a thoughtless minority who are determined to cause costly damage.

"We will be working with the club and police to help tackle this issue and make sure the park is a safe place for all to enjoy."