AN angry soccer league organiser has slammed a decision which could put pay to a popular competition in which 250 local footballers play.

Concerned Renie Goddard of the Whitlock 7-a-side league claimed a council noise abatement order placed on Preston College's artificial pitch had forced them to scrap four events.

And the treasurer, who also represents the Preston Prison team, said if a new venue was not found for next season, the 22-year-old tournament - the biggest of it's kind in the North West - may also be in jeopardy.

The controversy surrounds a decision to ban football after 8pm at night and on Sundays while other sports such as hockey can play until 10pm.

Mr Goddard said: "We can't understand it. Surely if we're talking about noise levels the sound of a hard hockey ball hitting the fence is louder than a football.

"The pitch is there to encourage community use but this flies in the face of that. We've already scrapped four cups and have to play matches on alternate weeks."

Disappointed Preston College bosses believe it goes against the idea of the pitch - to provide facilities for community use.

They appealed against the order but it was upheld by magistrates at a hearing earlier this month.

A spokesman said: "We're disappointed by the decision. It does not affect the college or students but is particularly disappointing for those residents who are no longer able to enjoy the facility."

Preston council's environmental health department said they had acted after complaints from local residents.

A spokesman said: "Perhaps it is a shame but we are here to control the noise for local residents. I think the reasonable person would agree that they shouldn't have to put up with shouting and swearing and balls hitting the fence."

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