YOUNGSTERS could miss out on weekend football matches after league bosses were forced to stop using the ‘disgraceful’ Ormsgill playing fields in Barrow.

Last year the conditions of the playing fields were highlighted by teams and players, who had to employ someone to pick up dog poo before games.

Ben Shirley, who is chairman of the Barrow and District Junior Football League, wrote to teams this week to announce the suspension of games at the playing fields.

"This decision has not been taken lightly as the effect that it will have on local children being able to play football is great,” Mr Shirley wrote in a joint statement with the league’s secretary Paul Knight.

"It will be difficult for teams to fulfil fixtures and may be difficult for us to ensure the season is completed.”

Mr Shirley said the difficult decision has been taken in the interests of the health and safety of players, referees and spectators, because of the amount of dog poo on the fields caused by ‘excessive use’ by dogwalkers.

League bosses have also found large amounts of litter and broken glass on the pitches.

The pitches, which are owned by Barrow Borough Council, are used by all teams in the league and Barrow Celtic Juniors play the majority of their home games at the Schneider Road site.

“There is little enjoyment in playing there. The grass is too long, pitches too close together and referee morale is low because the pitches aren’t of a good standard,” Mr Shirley added.

“It is a disgrace and wholly inadequate.”