TWO youths have been charged by police in connection with vandalism to Kelty Hearts FC's pitch.

Officers said that "such acts will not be tolerated" after praising the club for its dedication to the local community.

Last week, the Press reported that the club had vowed to boot out teenagers who they said were trashing their New Central Park home while boozing and taking drugs in their stands.

The pitch was installed as part of £665,000 worth of investment made by Fife Council within the £7.3 million Kelty Community Centre project two years ago.

Kelty, whose senior team begin their first campaign in the fifth tier of Scottish football, the Lowland League, on Saturday, hit out at "constant vandalism", including burn marks on the pitch, and trespassing that they said could lead to them losing their SFA licence.

A statement on Cowdenbeath Police's Twitter page said: "Kelty Community Officer PC Chrystal can advise that 2 youths have been charged in connection with the vandalism to @KeltyHeartsFC New Central Park astroturf pitch.

"The club are dedicated to the local community and such acts will not be tolerated."

Hearts, who said they hoped "this sets an example and an end to our issues at New Central Park", told the Press last week that the incidents were "getting beyond a joke".

George McTrusty, the club's treasurer, commented: "We are having to get CCTV put up which could cost thousands of pounds and then monitoring it so there is the labour of that as well.

“We are planning a lot of investment – over £250,000 worth – and it is all for the community. We have got 160 kids, women’s football, under 17s, under 20s, walking football, over 35s – around 300 participants playing football. There is nothing more pleasurable than going and seeing 100 kids playing football on the park and this is spoiling it for everyone.

“They have been going on the park and burning wee holes on the surface. It is absolutely shocking. We just want the vandalism to stop so we can enjoy the football.”

Fife Council's team manager Sarah Roxburgh added: "The council has invested £665,000 in this facility for the whole community to enjoy.

"It's incredibly disappointing that this enjoyment is being spoiled by a thoughtless minority who are determined to cause costly damage.

"We will be working with the club and police to help tackle this issue and make sure the park is a safe place for all to enjoy."