FOUR months after raiders caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to Whitton United’s clubhouse, another group of criminals has started making regular visits to the site.

Only this group is much more welcome – and is helping to transform the community-based club.

A group of prisoners coming to the end of the sentences at Hollesley Bay are helping to decorate the clubhouse and maintain the pitches at the club after it linked up with the prison service.

Lucky Singh, from Whitton United, said: “Most of those who have been helping here are craftsmen who are coming to the end of their sentence and being prepared for life outside prison.

“They have been doing a great job and we would like to continue with this work.

“There are some fairly major upgrades we would like to see and it would be good to carry on working with them – for instance rebuilding the toilets. However we cannot afford the equipment and would have to rely on a community-minded supplier to let us have them.”

Local MP Dr Dan Poulter has been a keen supported of Whitton United and its role in the community – and visited the club with Mel Cliffrow, one of the governers’ team at Hollesley Bay.