DEBRIS left by litter louts is plaguing a football club.

The first and second teams from Newsome Working Men's Club play Saturday matches on the playing fields of Moor End College at Crosland Moor.

But the pitches, on Dryclough Road, are constantly littered with glass, needles, condoms and other debris.

Rob Laverick, who runs the teams, said that one weekend the pitch was so bad the referee refused to let them play.

He also threatened to report the club to the West Riding Football Association.

A fire had been started near the pitch and bits of burned-out mattress had spread all over it, along with dangerous metal springs.

A TV set had also been burned out and dropped, showering shattered glass on to the pitch.

There were also shredded drink cans on the grass.

The first team eventually played the match against Storthes Hall on September 6, after clearing litter from another pitch.

Mr Laverick said: "We have played up there for four years and before every game we have to sweep the pitch.

"But I have never seen it this bad."

Mr Laverick said the club was annoyed about the litter because their rent for pitch and showers use has risen.

The club previously paid landowners Kirklees Council £130 a year per team. This year it is £410 per team.

Kirklees workers, along with contractors Jarvis, clear, maintain and mark out the pitches.

Mr Laverick said: "They marked the pitch out and went right over the debris. There was a white line over a bed spring and other debris.

"They are blatantly ignoring the safety of kids. That is bad enough, but the price has gone up too."

He has contacted the council about the matter.

Mr Laverick said he and other team members now plan to clear the pitch during the week, so time is not wasted during matches.

He added: "We haven't anywhere else to go, so we have to put up with it."

A spokesman for Jarvis said there was a serious litter and fly-tipping problem on the pitches, despite frequent clear-ups.

He added: "Once this specific complaint was received and investigated, the pitches were again cleared up.

"As close a watch as is practicably possible is being kept on their condition, with additional cleaning on Friday afternoons.

He added that the rents were in line with normal council charges.

They reflected the cost of maintenance, he said, adding: "Despite the improved quality of the changing facilities, they are slightly cheaper than the norm."

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