PHONE GOAL
A FOOTBALL club’s new floodlights will include a built-in mobile phone mast.
The plans unveiled by Llangefni Town could, if given the go-ahead, be a saving grace for people struggling with poor signal in the area.
Shared Access Ltd have submitted a planning application for the lights at the club’s Lon Talwrn ground on the outskirts of the town centre, with one of them containing the mast for all the major phone networks.
If successful, the club hope the floodlights will aid their ultimate ambition of promotion to the top flight of Welsh football.
Irish firm Shared Access Ltd’s Funding for Floodlights scheme sees clubs receive a new set of lights that incorporate mobile antennas into the design.
Anglesey MP Albert Owen, who has been campaigning for better mobile signal on the island, has warmly welcomed the proposals.
He said: “I’ve long said that we need to be more imaginative in how we improve mobile and broadband coverage.
“This is a fantastic idea that benefits not only mobile phone users but also a football club in the heart of the island.
“While mobile masts were previously unsightly, this one would be barely noticeable.”
Llangefni mayor, Cllr Dylan Rees, said the plans have already been discussed by the town council.
“I’m pleased to see an opportunity arise to improve mobile coverage in the town,” he added. “This will also boost the football club and we’re backing the plans.”
According to club chairman Alwyn Jones, the replacement floodlights would be less noticeable than the current structures, which are around 15 years old.
With fewer lamps on each of the eight 15m towers, it’s claimed light pollution will also be reduced due to the downward deflecting design.
Mr Jones said: “The offer from Shared Access to install new floodlights in exchange for the siting of mobile telecoms antenna is an offer too good to turn down.
“The offer includes 29 years maintenance from a leading floodlighting specialist. We won’t make any financial benefit from the scheme, but the ground improvements will be a big help.
“Mobile signal is an ongoing issue in Llangefni, and something to help bolster coverage in central Anglesey is also much welcome.”
Anglesey council planners are expected to make a decision on the application in the new year.