TRAVELLERS have pitched up on the playing fields of a junior football club just hours they were forced from an Accrington beauty spot.

Several caravans are on the pitches at Huncoat United JFC on Bolton Avenue, leading to fears that newly reseeded playing surfaces have been damaged.

The group arrived there after being moved on from land at Arden Hall in Accrington last Wednesday.

After complaints from residents and local MP Graham Jones, who lives just yards away, Hyndburn Council won a court order to remove the travellers.

Conservative councillor Nick Whittaker, who represents Huncoat, said the arrival of the travellers was ‘entirely preventable’.

He said: “I witnessed some of them travelling down Burnley Road from the other site. Some of them left and others went onto to the football pitches.

“What’s so frustrating is that until the change of administration in May, money had been allocated for improvements to the club, including perimeter barriers.

“The money has been cut but those barriers would prevent any access to vehicles so this type of thing couldn’t happen.

“It’s now going to cost an awful lot to clear up and repair any damage.”

Huncoat United Junior Football Club have 16 teams playing in the Accrington and District Junior Football League and the East Lancashire Football Alliance.

Secretary of the club, Mick Thelwell, said his main concern was damage to the turf.

“We took down the goalposts and reseeded the grass about six weeks ago and so this is a crucial time for the pitches,” he said.

“Some of the vans are right in the middle of the pitch and I’m certain the vehicles running over the grass will damage it.”

A council spokesman said: “We've had discussions with the travellers on Wednesday and they say they will move by Sunday.

“We will also issue a notice of direction to leave."

With regard for the money at one time allocated to the football club, she said: “This money, along with other council finances has been frozen subject to a general review.”