LAUGHING gas and crates of beer have been dumped on playing fields in Kendal used by junior football teams.

Litter including broken bottles, alcoholic beverages and cigarettes were left scattered around the Mintsfeet Road area, affecting the Jubilee and Millennium playing fields.

Canisters of nitrous oxide - known as laughing gas - were found on the pitch, which has also suffered from damage caused by barbecues.

The fields have been used by various local sports teams for training, include Kendal United and the Ibis Junior Football Club.

Kendal United has also reported major vandalism to its clubhouse over the past year to the point that it can no longer be used.

South Lakeland District Council addressed the issue in a statement and confirmed that the mess had been dealt with.

A spokesman said: “We are aware of increased littering in the area of Jubilee Playing Fields over the past few weeks and issues of young people gathering in that location.

“The police are aware of the issue and it has been raised as part of our multi-agency calls as a potential breach of COVID-19 restrictions.

“Our contractor has been down clearing litter and rubbish from our land in that area and assisted with clearing up on neighbouring private land.’’

South Lakes Police appealed for anyone with information on this situation or any other instances of anti-social behaviour to come forward.

Ibis Junior Football club said in a statement: “The issues of vandalism, littering and dog fouling have long plagued us at Millennium fields.

"Despite ongoing efforts by both Ibis JFC and Kendal Utd JFC who also play there, it appears we are fighting a losing battle. Numerous calls and reports from ourselves and the local residents to the police have not made any affect to the gatherings down there.

"Pitches now have barbecue burns, the clubhouse has suffered major vandalism over the last 12 months and is now not able to be used in its current condition.”

Kendal United Club secretary Stefan Grabek said: “This has been a continuous problem.

"We had to remove four bags of rubbish from the fields last week and four days later we had to remove another four bags. It usually happens after 8pm and it's usually just kids.

"We don’t have a problem with anyone using the pitch as long as they clean up after themselves.

"But when they start leaving it in the state it is now then that’s a problem.

"While this has been an ongoing issue for us, it seems it’s become more frequent during the lockdown.”