Moruya Pony Club is trying to reduce vandalism incidents costing time and money

Protected trees cut down, gas let out of the barbeque tanks and large tree stumps moved to block the driveway were just some of the recent vandalism incidents that have cost the community-run club nearly $1000 so far.

Club secretary Michelle Dickson said the committee had to follow instructions from the lands council who leased the grounds to them and asked for locks to be put on the gates.

"People aren't happy that the grounds are being locked, but with the trees being cut down and removed we have to do something to stop it otherwise we could risk losing the lease all together," she said.

"The costs are adding up. Every time we put a lock on the gate it is cut or destroyed within a day, and our signs have also been removed."

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The club had to direct funds away from its activities to install a security camera system on the grounds.

"We had money saved for new show jump equipment and safety vests for the kids to wear on the new cross country course, but that money will now have to go to the security system to try and stop the vandalism from happening," Ms Dickson said.

In an update on social media, the club said it had always let Moruya residents use the grounds free of charge so that everyone could enjoy the area, but that would have to change.

"To try and recoup some of our recent expenses we may look at hiring the grounds for a small fee to members," the update said.

"We will now have a register for anyone using the grounds so we can keep track of anything that goes missing."

The vandalism was reported to police and anyone with information was asked to contact the Moruya Police Station.