Wibsey Village FC's concern over Harold Park sinkhole

The news emerged on Wednesday when Bradford Council urged people to stay away from the football pitch in Harold Park, Low Moor, 'for the foreseeable future' after a hole appeared. 

A 7m2 area has now been fenced off as the Coal Authority undertakes investigations into the cause of the small sinkhole.

The council said in a statement on Wednesday evening: “Unfortunately a hole has appeared in the middle of the football pitch.

"We are supporting the Coal Authority to undertake exploratory works to ascertain the cause and remedy the issue.

The fenced off area (Image: Newsquest)

“Every precaution has been taken to ensure that the area is safe and secure and not accessible by residents.

“Football matches due to take place have been re-arranged at different locations and organisers informed.

“We are asking that everyone stays away from the football pitch area of Harold Park as heavy plant machinery needs access to the fenced-off site.”

Wibsey Village FC is one of the clubs affected by the problem. 

A spokesperson for the club said: "For the price we pay yearly - with a yearly increase might I add - is ridiculous as it is without all this going on as well.

"We’re in a title race and now have no pitch. I’d be interested to know if the council are going to compensate us with paying for a 4G pitch for the remainder of the season until we can find another playable pitch.

"The council pitches and facilities are bad enough as it is without our pitch falling in.

"We haven’t had changing rooms in the whole time we’ve used Harold Park as our home pitch, resulting in fully grown men having to get changed at the side of the pitch."

The spokesperson claimed players cannot use the changing rooms as they have been 'condemned' by Bradford Council. 

A spokesperson for the council said The Coal Authority is now investigating to identify the cause of the sinkhole, which is not yet known.

“A suitable alternative pitch has been offered on Avenue Road to both the teams who use Harold Park," they added. 

"This was communicated on Monday, March 25, to both teams via the Bradford Sunday Alliance.

"The pitch will be cut and marked out ready for the games next week and we will continue to communicate with the teams until the issue is understood and a recovery plan is established."