Echo Amusements owner Mr. Neil Willerton has had to deal with five break-ins to his carnival trailers which have been packed up ready to leave BAA Field since the funfair closed two weeks ago.

And now he says he has been landed with a bill for $4,500 for damage to the field.

Due to wet grounds from heavy rainfall Mr. Willerton, who is refusing to pay the money, said last night that he was told by the groundsman of the Bermuda Athletic Association that his trucks had ruined the field.

And he alleged that the Association said he could not move his equipment from the site until payment was made.

Carnival trucks were still on the field at Press time.

However, Mr. Willerton, who has had his carnival in Bermuda since November, firmly states that he had nothing to do with the muddy tyre tracks left on the field.

"None of my trailers have been moved and I deliberately requested the removal trucks, which are taking my equipment to the docks, to hold off for a few days so the field could dry out from all the rain,'' Mr. Willerton said.

He added: "I missed leaving last week just so we could wait for the weather to clear. I believe that the tracks were from curious people in trucks and cars. I don't even own a truck.

"BAA said I had to give them the money to repair the field because I was responsible for anyone driving in the area of my equipment. But, I could also say they were responsible for people breaking into my trailers since they own the field,'' Mr. Willerton said.

"I just don't think it's right,'' he said.

Attempts to contact president of the Bermuda Athletic Association Mr. David Kneisler last night were unsuccessful.