AN AMATEUR football club could become homeless after a hike in rental costs for its ground.

Worsthorne FC has played its home games at Thompson Park, off Belvedere Road, Burnley, for 17 seasons.

But club officials said they faced a summer of hunting for a new pitch because they cannot afford the new £2,000 per year fee demanded by the current ground’s landlord, businessman Pino Musso.

Secretary Jim Carrington said fundraising efforts over the last 12 months to help meet the costs were unsuccessful.

He said: “The increase in rent was discussed last year so we were well aware of it.

“We made every attempt to raise the money needed but we’re just a committee of volunteers and we work very hard to run two teams.

“We simply cannot afford the increase so we will be homeless until we find somewhere else.

“The final figure is just too much. It’s a great shame because it’s a very picturesque venue down by the canal and a great playing surface.”

The club, which plays in East Lancashire Football League Division One, adopted Thompson Park as its home after the demise of Burnley Bank Hall FC in 1993.

Last night the club was set to welcome Ribble Valley side Hurst Green to the venue for its final game.

Mr Carrington said he understood Mr Musso’s reasons for increasing the rent. He said: “We’ve had a very good relationship with him, he’s owned the ground right from the start and we maintained the pitch and the changing rooms.

“Previously we have always managed to pay him but I can understand his own reasons for the rise in costs.

“There is no grudge or animosity towards him.

“I think we’ll have to ask the local authority for somewhere to play now and try to secure a pitch for next season.

“I suppose all good things come to an end.”