Police warning after criminal damage at Bushey Hall Golf Club

Officers in Bushey have received two separate reports of damage to fencing at Bushey Hall Golf Course, which shut as a golf club in 2019.

The fencing, which is in place to define the boundary between public and private areas around the club, was damaged on both Friday April 2 and April 6.

PC David Mitchinson, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s rural operational support team (ROST) said: "I am appealing for anyone who has information about who might be responsible for the damage to please come forward."

Some of the damaged fencing at Bushey Hall Golf Club. Credit: Hertfordshire Constabulary

PC Mitchinson added: "As the weather starts to get warmer over the coming weeks and months, I would also like to take this opportunity to remind people to please be respectful while out walking in rural areas. Boundaries are often in place for a reason, usually for public safety, and should be respected.

"Anyone who breaches these boundaries could be dealt with for criminal damage or trespass offences.

"We have some fantastic public rights of way across the whole county and I would urge people to please ensure they are planning their routes and sticking to these. If you are unsure, you can find the public rights of way map on the county council website."

More damaged fencing at Bushey Hall Golf Club. Credit: Hertfordshire Constabulary

Anyone with information about the damage is asked to email rost@herts.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting crime reference 41/26659/21.

Bushey Hall Golf Club is privately owned by Veladail Leisure Ltd.

At the beginning of the month, Hertsmere Borough Council documents revealed the golf course had been put forward by the owners as land for a new stadium for Watford Football Club, along with a host of other developments, including an indoor arena, hotel, cinema, and sports pitches.

See more: Plans reveal more about possible move for Watford FC to Bushey Hall