AN INVESTIGATION is being carried out into drainage problems at a popular recreation ground in Burnley after £100,000 was spent trying to rectify the problem.

The pitches, at Queen Street Recreation Ground in Briercliffe, are frequently flooded making the ground unplayable.

Only four years ago Briercliffe parish council, who own the recreation ground, worked with Burnley Borough Council to improve the drainage on one of the football pitches, at a cost of £100,000.

An investigation is being carried out by Burnley Council into the cause of the problem.

Liberal Democrat Coun Roger Frost claims the two football pitches on the Queen Street Recreation Ground have “never been the same” since United Utilities installed new pipes 18 months ago.

The pitches cover an area of five acres and can also be used for cricket.

Mr Frost said: “United Utilities have caused us a great deal of trouble.

The ground has been unplayable because they have messed about with the drainage.”

A spokesman from Burnley Borough Council said: “We are now investigating the problem and how it is being caused.

“Once we have a clear idea of what the situation is we can come out with an action plan that is appropriate.”

The pitches are home to Briercliffe Rovers Junior Football Club and attract a lot of people interested in sport.

Even though the company confirm work has been completed in the area over the last two years they are unaware of the problem.

A spokesman for United Utilities said the company had met with representatives from the parish council at the playing fields.

He added that an action plan for the recreation ground had been agreed.

A network of pipes runs under the area and carries clean water.