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SIX football pitches in Malvern will be out of action this weekend because of the weather.

Matches due to take place on ground at Lower Howsell, Dukes Meadow and Victoria Park have all been cancelled following the recent heavy rain and the threat of more to come later this week.

The decision was taken by Malvern Town Council on Monday, three days earlier than usual, in order to give clubs time to find alternative venues.

Teams affected include Newtown Sports in the Mercian Festival Junior League and Powick in the Worcester and District League as well as the Malvern Sunday League.

Malvern Town Council Clerk Richard Chapman said: "All pitches are not playable this weekend.

"They were played on in the wet last weekend and a great deal of damage has been done.

"If we allow football pitches to be used this weekend it will be dangerous for the players but the damage to the pitches would mean we might have to close them for two to three weeks.

"The agreed day to call games off is a Thursday but we agreed to do it on Monday because we thought it would give clubs time to find somewhere else if they can.

"We must protect the long-term interests of the footballers.

"If games were played this weekend and if the pitches were damaged then that would mean that clubs would have to find somewhere else to go."

He added: "We can't stop people kicking a football about but we can stop the nets going up.

"We have got a duty to keep the grass in fairly good condition for other people that use the recreation grounds."

George Silverman, chairman of the Mercian Festival Junior League, whose league and cup programme will be affected, understands the decision but thought it was taken too soon.

He said: "I think it was taken a bit early.

"They explained to me why they did it and I think it was done with the best of intentions.

"If they had waited a couple of days and it had been bad people would have been expecting the decision anyway.

"The positive side is that a few teams can rearrange games and the other positive thing is that the referees will get to know in plenty of time.

"On the negative side, if we don't have the bad weather, there will be a lot of frustration."

However, the two pitches at Sling Lane, by Manor Park, which come under the management of Malvern Hills District Council, are not affected at present.

Malvern Hills District Council press officer Libby Galton said: "As far as we are concerned the field is open but the decision remains with the match official on the day.

"If there's a massive downpour tonight into Saturday it starts to be dangerous so it has to be the match referee's decision."

3:31pm Thursday 17th January 2008

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