Dim view of new pitches

The bright lights of the new pitch.

CONTROVERSIAL new flood-lit pitches at Crompton House have opened leaving nearby residents full of gloom.

The £955,000 all-weather pitches are used up to 9pm on weekdays and between 9am and 6pm at the weekends.

Residents objected to them because of the negative impact of light pollution, noise and traffic problems.

Josie Kershaw, of Crompton Gate, owns a flat which backs on to the pitches and described the effects as life-ruining.

She said: “The main issue for me is the noise and the loss of privacy. We have to keep the curtains shut and there’s nothing to stop the noise.

“It’s not as bad now but in the summer when we want the windows open it will be unbearable. It’s going to be used at the weekends so we won’t get any respite.

“If it was just used during school hours it would be fine, we understand we bought property next to a school so we expect children playing but not all day every day.

“We’ve asked for screening to go up to restrict the noise and protect our privacy.”

The pitches replaced the old shale surfaced area within the playing fields and was funded with £500,000 from the Football Foundation, £55,000 from Heyside Juniors and £400,000 from the school.

However, deputy head Jim Upton said: “The pupils are delighted with their new 3G pitch. For many years the school has had to put up with the worst outdoor sports facilities in the borough.

“The investment in the new pitch means we can continue in our pursuit of sporting excellence for all.

“This is a great facility for Shaw and High Crompton as 70 per cent of our pupils live within just two miles of the school.

“The use out of school time means other local children will benefit.

“We’ve an agreement with Heyside FC for them to have most use of the pitch outside of the school times and we’re also running competitions for neighbouring primary schools on our pitch.

“We’ve adhered to all the planning conditions imposed by the council and the lights have been designed to have as little overspill as possible.

“We shall work with our neighbours to find what planting is needed between the pitch and the nearest flats.”

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