The owners of a shooting ground say Worcester Warriors still owe them money for a corporate event held last December.

Park Farm Shooting Ground, which is based at a working farm near Ombersley, hosted a clay pigeon shoot on December 14 attended by Warriors players and key sponsors.

But Park Farm Shooting Ground’s owner Phil Sanders says his company is still owed more than £1,000 despite numerous attempts to chase Warriors for the money.

After Worcester News contacted Worcester Warriors, the bill was paid and the rugby club said it considered the matter resolved.

Mr Sanders said: “We’ve hosted events for the cricket club and lots of other businesses in the area, but the rugby club keeps saying its funding will be coming soon.

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“But as it is, they’ve entertained a lot of people at my expense.”

Mr Sanders said Warriors were given a price for the event in advance and at the time of booking so should not have been surprised by the invoice.

“Six months later and frustratingly we are still awaiting payment.

"We have chased regularly, being advised that they are expecting some funding imminently, which as you can imagine is becoming increasingly frustrating and patience is wearing thin.

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“It is an unfair way to treat local small businesses.”

The Worcester News has seen a copy of the unpaid invoice from Park Farm Shooting Ground and emails from Warriors apologising that Mr Sanders has had to chase for payment so many times.

In the emails, Warriors also say funding due to be made available to the club in March was delayed.

Mr Sanders was told the expected funds were “a significant income” that would complete the club’s recovery from the pandemic.

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“Worcester Warriors blame the Covid pandemic for their inability to pay - but all businesses have been hit by the pandemic in one way or another.

“Corporate entertainment is a luxury, not a necessity. Why are the Worcester Warriors continuing to spend money they simply do not have?”

Worcester News has contacted Worcester Warriors for further comment.