THE chairman of a junior football club has said 'common sense has prevailed' after a council u-turned on a decision to introduce charges for pitch hire.

Andy Devanney, chairman of Barrowford Celtic, slammed the Government last week after Pendle Council said it would be 'forced' to bring in the plans to charge teams because of 'incessant' cuts.

Since 2009, under-16 teams have been able to play for free on all of the council's pitches.

A charge of £5 for five-a-side and seven-a-side pitches for all teams was set to come in on Saturday, April 1, along with a fee of £7.50 for games played on nine-a-side and 11-a-side pitches.

But at a special budget meeting council bosses decided to go against the recommendation of officers stating that pressure to make savings 'did not outweigh' the benefits of free football.

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Mr Devanney said if the costs had come in it could have created a barrier for youngsters taking part in football at junior clubs across the area.

He said: "We are very pleased this move is not going ahead.

"In this day and age any increase in costs is a burden on families and this is very unwelcome.

"We have a policy of not turning anyone away and this could have got in the way of kids playing football and there should not be any barriers.

"When the council announced the charges it made us think what are they going to do next. It was all very well saying a fiver but there was nothing stopping that from going up every year.

"Common sense has prevailed and we see this is as a real victory."

In the case of Barrowford Celtic parents already pay a membership fee every year to the club of £20 which contributes towards ongoing running costs.

They also pay a fee on match days to pay referees and contribute to equipment which may be required.

In addition if matches are played at other venues, for example Blackburn Soccer Dome, then there is a charge for the pitches.

Mr Devanney said: "Some children are from low income families and some parents have more than one child at the club so the costs soon add up.

"Pendle Council should be commended for their support of grassroots football. This is not the council's fault and the finger must be pointed at the Government."

The club, which plays at Bull Holme Playing Fields, was formed in 1970 and fields 19 junior teams ranging from under 8s to under 16s.

It has seen its players rise to stardom previously having been a stepping stone for Burnley and Manchester United player Mike Phelan and former Claret and now Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal said: "We refused to accept officers recommendations because I believe that the saving of £4,000 per annum does not outweigh the benefits to young people enjoying free football in Pendle.

"Also I value the excellent work done by clubs run by volunteers to enable youngsters an opportunity. We are faced with serious cuts in funding from the government and things are getting difficult by the day."