BEWDLEY Town joint boss Craig Payton believes non-league football clubs may have to look at artificial pitches as the unprecedented heavy rain disrupts the season.

Grassroots football across the Midlands has been put on hold for six weeks due to the wettest January in recorded history.

Even worse, this week’s heavy rain has caused the River Severn to swell beyond its banks.

Bewdley’s Ribbesford Meadows home is by the river side and the club have seen their second pitch submerged.

To make matters worse, the B4194 has been closed, making access to the ground impossible.

Payton said: “This is the third season in a row where the season has been massively disrupted by the weather.

“The last two years were snow but the rain has been truly awful and clubs could be playing well after the season was supposed to be finished.

“If this keeps up, perhaps clubs will have to look at 3G pitches in the future because this can’t go on.”

Bewdley have only played twice so far this year and have not kicked a ball in anger since January 14.

Saturday’s game against Malvern was postponed and Tuesday night’s clash at Wednesfield was also postponed.

This weekend’s return fixture against Wednesfield (3pm) will have to be rearranged.

Payton added: “I cannot see us playing a game at home for a little while to be honest.

“What’s even more frustrating is that it is hard to find somewhere to train.”