**E-bike Riders Cause Thousands in Damages at Swansea Footgolf Facility, Owners Appeal for Respect**
A popular family-run footgolf course in Swansea has suffered approximately £10,000 worth of damage following a spate of destructive incidents perpetrated by riders of electric bikes and quad bikes. The repeated acts of vandalism, which have plagued the Swansea Footgolf course in Blackpill over recent years, have prompted the proprietors to make a heartfelt appeal to those responsible, asking for respect and consideration for their business and the local community.
The Swansea Footgolf course, established in 2016 and the first of its kind in Wales to provide an 18-hole footgolf-only experience, has reported a significant escalation in damage caused by off-road vehicles. Co-owners Rhydian Thomas, 57, and Roger Maliphant, 64, have described a pattern of recurring incidents, with the most recent attack resulting in a repair bill of around £2,000.
Speaking about the ongoing difficulties, Mr Thomas recounted how the latest instance took place on a Monday evening, when a group of riders — believed to be using Sur-Ron electric bikes — entered the course, used the mounds and hills as ramps, and left behind substantial damage. “They created a trench about 15 feet long and a foot deep on our 17th fairway, and repeatedly tore over our first green,” he said. Such acts not only deface the landscape but also require costly repairs and disruption to play.
Over the years, both quad bikes and electric bikes have been involved in damaging the grounds, often targeting the carefully maintained original golf greens, which are considered among the best features of the course. Footage of these events, particularly from the winter months, has been provided to the police in hopes of identifying the culprits. Sadly, the frequency of such incidents has only increased in recent months, compounding the distress for those who run and enjoy the facility.
The repeated damage has left the business owners, who do not operate under council funding, grappling with the financial burden. Mr Thomas explained: “As a family-run venue, we simply can’t afford to keep carrying out these repairs. We welcome over 10,000 visitors a year, from local families and visiting holidaymakers to sports professionals and television personalities. It’s a space enjoyed by all ages, and the senseless vandalism puts that at risk.”
The impact of these acts extends well beyond the business’s bottom line. According to the owners, the course plays a vital role in the community, supporting physical activity, mental wellbeing, and social connections. Regulars include everyone from young children to pensioners, along with sports and media figures, and the venue is regarded as a local treasure on the doorstep of the Gower coastline.
Local residents and players have expressed anger and disappointment at the continued disruption. “Most people are really upset when they hear about this,” Mr Thomas noted, “because they value the course — not just for football golf, but as a community asset. People don’t understand why anyone would want to spoil something that’s good for their friends and families.”
Efforts to curb the incidents have included reporting every episode to South Wales Police, who in turn are increasing patrols in the area. Mr Thomas disclosed that police are considering deploying drones to track offenders and, if caught, confiscate and destroy offending vehicles. Historically, several perpetrators have been caught, although the problem persists.
The owners have issued a direct plea to the offenders: “This is not council land, it’s privately managed by two older gentlemen trying to provide a positive environment for people in the area. We ask those responsible to simply respect what we’ve built — there are plenty of other spaces for these activities that do not risk destroying something valued by so many.”
As the police increase their presence in the area, both course patrons and locals are being encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour. Footage or photographs of such incidents can be submitted to authorities, aiding in efforts to bring the vandals to justice.
While the outcome remains uncertain, the business owners remain hopeful that collective community action and law enforcement will bring this ongoing damage to an end, securing the future of a much-loved Swansea sports amenity.