PRAISE has been heaped a resident who helped clear debris left behind on community football pitches.

Barrow Borough Council has thanked those involved in the clean-up of the football pitches on Schneider Road after a visit from a group of travellers.

A resident and the council helped remove the mess left behind and secured the site.

Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council and lead member for Cleaner and Greener Neighbourhood, said: “The pitch is already free of litter thanks to a nearby resident and our teams who are carrying out a full litter pick as well as removing any rubbish left behind.

“The damage to the ground is being assessed and will be repaired as soon as possible.

“Luckily this does appear to be primarily around the edge of the site rather than on the pitch itself though we understand the mini’s pitch was the worst affected.

“Much care is taken to keep the pitch secure and locked while not in use.

“However, it seems the gate was broken and the padlock removed on this occasion.

“The site is secure again now and we will consider additional access prevention measures when possible in the future.”

A group of travellers were believed to have gained access to the football pitches in the Ormsgill area of Barrow on Friday evening.

Nappies, litter and a car bumper were left behind.

Furthermore, the pitches were left dug up as the caravans drove on them, meaning that junior teams at Barrow Celtic Football Club were unable to use them over the weekend.

Club secretary Andrew Shipley said police officers attended the scene but were unable to move the caravans on.

Cumbria Police said the matter was a concern for the local authority.

Mr Shipley said he would be looking at consulting with the council to stop these type of incidents from happening again.

The caravans left Schneider Park on Saturday evening.

It is believed they moved to McBride’s soap factory after originally moving behind Ormsgill’s community centre.