A bowling club in Durham has been devastated by an arson attack earlier this week. 

Durham City Bowling Club was hit by an arson attack on Tuesday night (February 20), with the older of its two buildings burned down. 

The building, which was mainly used to store the club's equipment, will likely need to be pulled down due to the extensive damage it suffered in the blaze. Much of the club's equipment was also destroyed in the fire. 

Now, the club, which is located on the Race Course, in Durham City has appealed to their community to help in the run to to their reopening this spring. 

The Northern Echo: Graffiti was sprayed on the Club's buildings too. Graffiti was sprayed on the Club's buildings too. (Image: DCC)

Neilma Hart, the club's secretary, has said the club is currently struggling more than ever before in the 33 years she's been a member. 

She said: "We don't know who's done it, but they've come down in the night, smashed the building up, set fire to it, and sprayed graffiti on the shutters. It's sad to lose such a lovely old building, and bowls equipment isn't cheap either.  

"Recently, it's been a struggle but we've said we're going to keep going another couple of years. We're down to about 30 members, but in 1991, when I joined, we had over 100. Really, we could have done without all this - I don't know what we do to protect the buildings."

Mrs Hart added: "We've had little problems over the years - kids like to come down and have barbeques and drink near the building - but there's never been damage like this."

The Northern Echo: Neighbourhood wardens at the burned out Durham City Bowling Club this week.

"But we're still hoping to open in April. It'd be great if anyone with old equipment they want to get rid of would get in touch."

The club is located in what has been dubbed an "antisocial behaviour blackspot", and only the previous Friday (February 16), a teenage girl was rushed to hospital after taking an ecstasy overdose. 

A spokesperson for Durham County  Council Neighbourhood Wardens said: "Durham City Bowling Club has become the latest victim of vandalism in an area identified as a hotspot ASB area, after an arson attack last night.

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"The area is currently being patrolled by Neighbourhood Wardens due to local youths regularly congregating.

"On Friday the 16th of February a teenage girl was rushed to hospital due to taking MDMA (Ecstasy). We are asking all parents if your children are going down Durham to please make sure you know where they are and who they are with.

"The Neighbourhood Wardens alongside Durham University will be conducting patrols in the area."