Neighbours of football club take dim view of floodlights

SUPPORTERS HAVE sparked complaints from neighbours of a Teesside football club over its efforts to keep its floodlights on for longer.

Stockton Town FC wants to lengthen the hours it is allowed to keep the lights shining at its ground off Bishopton Road West to play midweek league fixtures and evening cup ties.

But some neighbours have taken a dim view of the adjustment to the light timings ahead of a meeting on the application next week.

Neighbour and objector Martin Hall wrote to planners to share his grievances.

Mr Hall said: “The whole granting of this eyesore in the first place was a farce and was objected to by the majority – but what a surprise it was granted.

“The conditions then were to give the people neighbouring the site some respite from drums, shouting, whistles and the floodlights so that we could all enjoy some time in our gardens with our family and friends without this utter nuisance and eyesore.”

Coun Paul Baker, of the Newtown ward, also objected to the extended hours. He added: “I feel that this is not considering residents’ privacy and is becoming very intrusive and is causing personal and emotional upset.”

However, planners at Stockton Council have recommended the adjustment is given the all clear – providing the lights are used between 9am and 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays and up to 10pm twice a week for Stockton Town’s first XI.

Football fan Mike English wrote to planners to back the club. He added: “This football club provide a valuable facility for the whole of the borough.”