Villagers have described the cautioning of two teenagers who wrecked a bowling green as scandalous.

The juveniles, who cannot be named, etched three giant crop circles into the carefully manicured grass at Royd House Bowling Club, Wilsden, last April.

It meant the green could not be played on for the rest of the season and home matches have had to be played at Lister Park.

Villagers reacted angrily today as police revealed the two youngsters responsible had been cautioned for the offence and released without further charge.

Wilsden Village Society chairman Martin Harrison said: "As a resident of the village, I think it's scandalous. These youths have deprived people of a whole summer's enjoyment. I cannot understand the mentality of the police."

Bingley Inspector David Drucquer said: "There are guidelines about when people should go to court and people will receive a caution for a first-time offence unless it is an extremely serious matter."

He added: "As a result of inquiries and information received, two juveniles were arrested for the offence of criminal damage to the bowling green. The offence was admitted and they have been given a formal caution for the offence."

The attack on the green, which happened just days after previous damage had been repaired, left club member Dorothy Bottomley almost in tears.

She said at the time: "It's absolutely mindless. They have cut three huge crop circles which cover about three quarters of the green. They've piled it very high. It must have taken hours.

"I was near to tears when I saw what had happened. It was in a lovely condition. The Council worked really hard on it but now the whole thing will have to be relaid."

Her husband and club secretary, David, declined to comment until informed officially by the police.

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