Council backs new floodlights for club

Some of those who live near the home of Little Common Football Club (LCFC) believe their application for six 15-metre floodlights was "a step too far".

LCFC chairman Ken Cherry said the club was "not trying to be awkward in any way at all".

At last Thursday's planning meeting Rother District Councillor Deirdre Williams supported the lights: "because I think we should support any opportunity for sporting usage.

"As long as we are stringent in keeping to times so the residents don't suffer more intrusion than necessary, then I support it wholeheartedly."

Concern over intrusive light cropped up in most of the 22 objection letters received by the district council before the meeting, along with increased traffic, lack of consultation and worries that the football club were taking over a public space.

Strict conditions were set, which prevent the lights being used for training, and restrict the times they can be on to between 3pm-5.30pm on Saturday, and 6.45pm-9.45pm on weekdays.

Lighting would not be used at all on Sundays.

Cllr Joanne Gadd confirmed local fears, saying: "I've had an awful lot of letters regarding this. The thing that concerns me is the lights shining into the houses.

"As long as I'm assured that's not going to happen I'm in support, but during the week that might be a problem at 9.45pm."

Council officers promised to monitor the lights closely.