As concern mounts over the poor state of Maes Radley Sports Fields in Cardigan cash-strapped Ceredigion County Council is considering asking two local sports clubs to form an association in an attempt to obtain funding for improvements.

The council as owner lets pitches at the sports fields to Maesglas Football Club and Cardigan Rugby Club, with the clubs responsible for maintenance of the playing areas.

But for the past four months the pitches have been unplayable due to inadequate drainage and the clubs contend it is the council’s responsibility as landlord to carry out improvements.

In a report to today’s meeting of the cabinet assistant director of buildings and property Paul Morgan states "The football field in particular has inadequate drainage and the club is unable to use the field due to the problem of standing water."

Since November the Maesglas club has played ‘home’ fixtures outside Cardigan and currently has a pitch at the West Wales All Terrain Park in Penparc.

Mr. Morgan said: "At a recent site meeting attended by club representatives the issues raised by the football club were clearly evident."

He added that improvements to the pitches had been considered by the council on numerous occasions in the past but were deferred "due to other pressing needs."

The director recommends that an updated cost of possible improvements to the playing fields be obtained and a further report prepared outlining any phasing that may be feasible.

He also suggests that the council ask the soccer and rugby clubs to consider forming a recreational association with a view of obtaining access to additional funding.