Sports teams have been unable to use a popular pitch because burnt-out changing rooms have been derelict for three years.

Residents and sports organisers are protesting over Patcham Place recreation ground in Brighton, which they say has been badly neglected.

The pavilion has been in ruins since an arson attack in 1999.

The Spirit of the Horse event last July, when 30 horses were involved in an equestrian theatre, has also left potholes and bald patches of grass at the ground.

Vera Harris, 81, of Church Hill, Portslade, said: "The pavilion is in a disgusting state. Even if the council can't afford to replace it, surely it can clear it at least?

"There are still overturned seats and there is a fence all the way round it. It looks a real mess.

"We used to have cricket and football played on the recreation ground but no more. It's very sad."

Paul Sargeant, fixtures secretary for the Sussex Sunday Football League, said teams had asked in vain about using the pitch.

He said: "It's very frustrating because there is a good quality pitch there but nowhere for teams to change.

"We would love to be able to play games there again because it's a lovely pitch going to waste. But it seems the council hasn't got the money to replace the pavilion."

Brighton Insurance Cricket Club, which used to play at Patcham Place, has also been forced to go elsewhere.

After the arson attack, Brighton and Hove City Council ordered two replacement buildings to be ready by September 1999.

But both the council and its insurance company refused to meet the costs of connecting electricity and water to the two changing blocks.

Mrs Harris walks her dog over Patcham Place every morning but said people were put off visiting the ground.

She said: "The state of the ground has got so bad, it's dangerous to walk on.

"The horse show has ruined the grass but the council has done nothing. It used to keep the grass nicely mown and maintained."

The Spirit of the Horse event featured 30 horses taking part in two-hour shows.

Patcham ward councillor Geoffrey Theobald said: "I've been pressing for the pavilion to be replaced but the council hasn't got its finger out and done anything. It's a real concern."

A council spokeswoman said: "There is some uncertainty about the best way to replace the sports pavilion facilities. We have put a contract out to tender, have received some quotes and are now considering our options.

"Following the Spirit of the Horse event, repairs to the ground are in the process of taking place.

"We have already put down some topsoil to replace the holes and the remainder will be laid shortly. As soon as it rains we will be able to put down grass seed.

"All the work should be done within the next few weeks and the costs will be paid by the Spirit of the Horse organisers."