A RETIRED widower has called on councillors to find a solution "quickly" to the problems surrounding a derelict sports ground in Reedley.

Noel Aldersley, a World War Two veteran, has lived in Raedale Avenue for more than 60 years and claims he has never seen as much mess and anti-social behaviour.

The problems centre on the disused Lucas Sports Ground, in Reedley Drive, where planned development has been put on hold after plans were called in by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Brierfield and Reedley Committee councillors, who gave the plans for housing and sport development the go-ahead, have said they are hoping for an early solution.

Mr Aldersley said: "There are yobbos coming down here all the time and I see dozens of dogs going up there every day to make their mess. Young couples go up there, and groups of young lads carrying alcohol in carrier bags late at night. I can only imagine what they get up to.

"It's absolutely terrible and I think something needs to be done about it as quickly as possible.

"All the residents are fed up of living with it in this state."

The sports ground was built between 1952 and 1953 by Lucas Industries for its workforce and the community.

It was locked up in 1994 after an application for development was refused.

In November last year plans to develop half of the land for housing and the other half for sports facilities were given the green light after consultation meetings with the local communities.

Police confirmed they had received reports of anti-social behaviour at the sports ground site.