YOUNG footballers in Brierley Hill are counting the cost after crooks took their entire stock of training equipment.

The Pensnett Panthers, who have around 100 members aged from under eight to 18 and above, lost around £600 worth of kit, nets and balls during a raid at The Dell Stadium, Bryce Road, in August.

Club members, including 15-year-old Joe Waltho, son of Stourbridge MP Lynda Waltho, are appealing for help to replace their equipment which was also loaned to other teams at the stadium.

Joe’s father, Dudley borough councillor Steve Waltho, said: “What has happened at the club is a big blow, for a smaller club this could have finished them.

“The club has done a huge amount of work bringing kids on, in the community and raising money for charity, they go the extra mile.”

“The staff at the Dell are good friends to the club, which has a good infrastructure and we are hoping people will come forward to help the club through this.”

Cllr Waltho is also putting pressure on Dudley Council to play their part in replacing the equipment, although officers from the authority have already written to the club saying they have no obligation to help replace the kit, which was taken from a secure cupboard at the stadium.

Cllr Waltho said: “I am disappointed, the council could show a bit more human kindness.

“The club supported the mayor’s appeal and the council has shown them a little bit of a cold shoulder.”

A council spokesman said: “Equipment left on site is not the council’s responsibility and while we sympathise with the club’s position, we are unable to settle this claim through our insurance as there has not been any negligence on the part of the council.”

Anyone who can help the Panthers can call Steve Waltho on 07703 308463.