A football pitch has been described as the "worst in Blackburn" by players who still use it on a regular basis.

The artificial turf pitch at the top of Troy Street in Bastwell is damaged in several locations and both goal mouths have been ripped apart.

Players who use the turf say it has been "left to rot" and would like someone to take responsibility for the state of the turf.

In addition to this, the floodlights have not been maintained with some bulbs not replaced.

One player, Zaheer, 41 who plays there regularly, said: “We used to play on here quite a lot as we were growing up, but in last three to four years we have noticed less and less is being done to maintain the pitch.

“It is the worst pitch in Blackburn. You won’t see anything else as bad. It is really is dangerous.

"Yet the pitch is still well used by all ages because it is the only decent playing area for large groups without having to pay elsewhere.

“I don’t think people understand. If you are a young kid you are not going to walk across to play football you are going to play close to your house.

“But look at it. It is awful. We just want someone to come patch it up.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

The playing section is made up of two areas separated by a fence, one with artificial turf and the other concreted.

A visit to the site also reveals a large amount of litter strewn across the area with some people fearful it would become a "dumping ground".

Another player, Imran, 15, said: “Nobody wants to maintain anything that is free to the community anymore.

"Kids can’t pay £5 to play a game of football. Where can they find the money from?

“In this area there are no outdoor playing facilities for kids. The pitch on St John’s used to be free but they put a fence round it. Even then you come here and people are still playing football on here.”

A third player, Umar, 27, told us: “We know it costs money and we know some vandals can cause damage but this is our home and our pitch.

“We have money to spend on other projects around town and but we don’t have money to fix a pitch that makes a real difference to young people.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council distanced themselves from the state of the pitch saying it was "not their responsibility".

Martin Eden, Director of Place for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: ‘’The pitches at the top of Troy Street are part of the designated play spaces allocated to Brookhouse school.

"The land remains under the responsibility of the Education Department but are open-access and are well-used for informal play and community-use.’’

The school have been approached for comment.