MOTORING giant Ford's party plans to celebrate its 100th anniversary have been thrown into chaos after travellers ruined the football ground they hoped to use.
The Swaythling-based company, which has 1,603 employees, has been forced to look elsewhere for a new venue for the bash taking place this Saturday.
British Transport Commission FC, which is already on the brink of collapse after a string of vandalism and theft attacks on their Stoneham Lane playing fields, is devastated by the decision. It was hoping to raise a much needed £5,000 from the day.
The latest attack at the grounds happened earlier this week, when three windows were smashed and the club's alarm was triggered, costing a further £240.
The beleaguered club is blaming a group of travellers for the reign of terror which has caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Bosses at BTC estimate the car plant's family day out would have generated more than £5,000 just in bar takings - cash they desperately need to sustain the losses they have suffered in recent weeks.
Broken glass has been strewn across the pitches, alcohol stolen and human excrement left in the clubhouse.
Club president Damon Brown said: "I'm gutted. We've worked so hard for this. This is a real kick in the teeth for the football club. It's really depressed me. People here put so much work in."
A spokesman for Ford confirmed the company had decided to hold the party at another location, in the Stoneham Lane area, "because of reasons beyond our control".
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