Footballers and fans using a village playing field have been warned to mind their language during matches.

Parish councillors have told clubs that players and supporters using Lorkin Daniel Field in West Bergholt must hold their tongues in future.

The warning has been issued to West Bergholt Football Club and Colchester Sunday League teams which use the field at Orpen Hall.

Chairman of the parish council Ernest Blackwell said the village club's contract states no swearing is allowed.

"Obviously if something like that continued we would have no choice but to stop them using the field. But that would be extreme," he added.

Mr Blackwell said a letter had been sent to the club earlier in the season. But team members of Gas Recreation and Brooklands, who are getting ready to compete in the Fowler Cup final on Sunday, have also been sent letters by the club warning them not to swear.

An announcement was also due to be printed in the programmes for Sunday's match. No-one from the clubs was available for comment.

He said that the situation had not got any worse since the letter was sent.

"The field is in the middle of a built up area and there is a children's playground alongside and naturally we want to protect them."

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