Concerns have been raised over work currently being carried out on playing fields which could be transformed into a new sports complex.

The One In a Million Free School, based at Cliffe Terrace, Bradford, has lodged an application with Bradford Council to build a new changing pavilion, a 3G all-weather football pitch and cricket pitch, as well as new street lighting, car parking, drainage works, plus a new boundary fence and gates, at the Bradford Council-owned King George V playing fields on Canal Road.

But resident David Taylor has written to ward councillors and Shipley MP Philip Davies over soil testing work, which he says has had a “detrimental” impact on the condition of the ground and believes it now poses health and safety risks to the public.

Mr Taylor has described one area as “little more than a mud bath”.

He said: “All around the site are deep track marks caused by the machinery, which have churned up the land and destroyed the grass that was previously there.

“Even if these areas were to grass over in the future - unlikely as they are just pooling water - the uneven surface will make it difficult to maintain or mow and will become a trip hazard. Around the actual areas where drilling has been taking place is an even more worrying situation.

“Along with the damage to the grass caused by machinery, there are large quantities of top and sub soil deposited on top of the grass. This contains many large bricks and old building stones that are jutting out of the surface. Aside from being trip hazards, they will make the area impossible to mow safely when the time comes.”

He also raised concerns over the strong odour and “extremely dark appearance” of the soil, leading him to believe it may be contaminated. Mr Taylor said: “Surely this work should have been postponed until the ground conditions were more suitable?”

He said many people are still unaware of the plans and said a number of people have not received a letter regarding the proposals.

A Bradford Council spokesman said: “Site investigations are undertaken prior to the final design of a project to confirm the underground conditions. Such work is permitted to help inform the planning process, and in no way prejudices the outcome. It is unfortunate that the weather has turned so inclement. However, the damage is not permanent and we will restore the site to its original condition once the work is completed. Steps have been taken to protect the playing pitches and surrounding areas to prevent lasting damage and all excavated material will be removed from the site.

“If any evidence of ground contamination is found we will investigate further. New site notices have been put up around the site to inform the public and the expiry date for comments has been extended to April 10, giving plenty of time for all representations to be made.”