RAIN has stopped play for junior football teams who use an all-weather pitch, forcing them to search for a new temporary home ground.

Despite being labelled an all-weather pitch, the surface of the astro turf at the Primetime Centre, Norden High School, Rishton, floods when there is a downpour.

Around 14 teams from Rishton United have been using the Stourton Street pitch to train and play on during the winter months.

But the large pools of water have failed to drain away from the pitch on numerous occasions and the junior teams have decided it is no longer safe for youngsters to use.

The pitch at Norden, a specialist sports college, was created in 2003 at a cost of around £300,000.

The school is responsible for upkeep and has bought a £7,500 sweeper to help maintain it.

Pupils have previously had to have PE lessons at other sites because of flooding on the pitch.

Sue Edwards, school business manager, said: "We are doing everything we can to get it back in a playable condition.

"We have had contradictory theories on what the problems are.

"Some people think it is down to the construction and fabric of the pitch, others think it is the maintenance of the pitch.

"We maintain the pitch regularly and we take this responsibility seriously.

"It is an awkward position because there are a lot of trees next to it and the leaves cause problems.

"It is also in a dip so the water flows down into it.

"It impacts on the school's use of the pitch and obviously that is our main priority." Chic Kelly, manager of the Under 10s team, explained: "Even after a brief shower it looks more like a lake than a football pitch.

"This is obviously unsafe for the younger teams.

"It is still dangerous after it has finished raining and the water has dried up as the surface is still very slippery.

"If it's going to be called an all weather pitch then it really should be able to handle all weather, not just sunshine."

He added that, fearing an accident was inevitable, Rishton United's executive body had taken the decision to look for other places to play.

Mr Kelly, who is also the club's vice-secretary, said Accrington and District Saturday Morning League club was fed up with the recurring problem.

He continued: "We had really big problems last year and had to move off it for the final three months of the season.

"Once the winter is over it's all right, but we tend to play on grass pitches in the summer anyway.

"We returned this season but there are still serious problems with the pitches and it is not safe to play there.

"When it's kids playing, you have got to be safe."

The club has struggled to find somewhere else for the young boys and girls to play football on.

"Most of the other places where we could play have all been booked up," said Mr Kelly. "We have managed to get a couple of slots at Hyndburn Leisure Centre. But unless something is done the same problem will arise next year."