LITTER in playing fields in Thirsk is getting out of control, an official of the trust that looks after them has said.

Carrs Field, which is actually two fields, near St James Green in the town, has been a recreational area for many years since Ethel Johnson donated the land.

Tony Jordan, chairman of the Carrs Field Trust, is angered by the increasing amount of rubbish, thoughT to be dumped by local youths, including used needles, condoms and broken bottles.

Mr Jordan and four other trustees regularly clean up the mess, although the council Street Scene team does empty the bins and carry out some clean-up operations.

“It’s a mess down there,”

said Mr Jordan. “The litter problem is primarily beer bottles and beer cans that have been irresponsibly discarded.

It’s come to the point that it’s a health hazard.”

In 2008, a ban on drinking alcohol in public was imposed in Thirsk, which Mr Jordan feels pushed drinkers out of the town centre and into Carrs Field.

He said: “When the newlydesignated areas were announced, I expressed concern that the problem would end up in Carrs Field.

“They (the police) couldn’t extend the ban because they couldn’t police the area. I accept that as fair and reasonable, but it doesn’t make the problem go away.”

Mr Jordan emailed Thirsk Town Council, Hambleton District Council and Thirsk police this week to highlight the problem.

The three organisations have replied, however the trustee is looking for a longterm solution to the problem and says a team effort is needed.

“I just want to bring awareness to people. The longer the nights get, the more potential users there will be. I cannot do this in isolation,” he said.

“My concern is, what happens when something happens to someone. Who will they blame? It will be me.”

The area is regularly used by dog-walkers, with a wooded area of 570 trees, planted last year. It also has football and basketball facilities in one field.

Thirsk district councillor Gareth Dadd said: “There is a problem there. However, young people will always do as they have done and we need to tackle the problem at its source.

“Thirsk Clock and YO7 work against anti-social behaviour.

Thirsk is not the Wild West.”

Howard Kemp, clerk of Thirsk Town Council, said: “There are other areas in Thirsk that have a litter problem too. Litter is a problem everywhere.”

The town council will discuss the matter at its next meeting, on February 21.