A football pitch described as the ‘worst in Blackburn’ by players is set to be fixed.

The artificial turf at the top of Troy Street in Bastwell is damaged in several locations and both goal mouths having been ripped apart. Parts of the fencing was also in desperate need of repair and some of the floodlights were not working.

The pitch is still used by footballers from across the town on a regular basis.

In April the Lancashire Telegraph spoke to some of the players who said the turf had been ‘left to rot’ and they called for action before someone was injured seriously playing on the surface.

Now, Blackburn with Darwen Council has agreed to fix the pitch but it was unsure at this stage when the work would begin.

Cllr Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children’s, Young People and Education, said: "The MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) pitch on Troy Street and has had minimal repairs over the years but patches of the pitch now need to be fully replaced to make it safe for people to use. 

“It is a really popular area for lots of groups and teams across the community and we want this to continue.

“Repairs will include damaged patches of the pitch surface being replaced, along with repairs to some fence panels and some repairs to the floodlights.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

One player, Umar, who uses the surface on a Sunday said he was 'overjoyed' at hearing the news.

He said: “This is something that will be welcomed by everyone round here.

“Despite the state of the pitch it is still used by so many people on a daily basis as there is nowhere else round here to play football.

“It had been become really run down and dangerous in parts. At least the goalkeeper won't have to stand three foot off the keeper's area!"