Ref wants pitch plan ruled offside

A FOOTBALL referee wants to give the red card to a sports development.

Jason Keast and other neighbours fear that plans to extend a proposed all-weather sports pitch at North Chadderton School will bring light pollution — and expose their families to foul language.

The school has submitted proposals to revamp its playing fields, which would create a full-size artificial football pitch near to the houses in Nordens Drive, Chadderton.

Residents fear possible late-night noise as well as light pollution with the floodlights in use up to 10pm, seven days a week. The current application means the pitch won’t be big enough for competition or inter-school football, nor for community use.

Jason (44), an amateur football and Sunday league official, feels the development is in the wrong place. He is worried games will expose his young children to foul language as they play outside

“I am all for the idea in principle and I know the school needs the revenue, but it’s too small a venue and it’s too close to homes.”

Some residents are also concerned over the increase in traffic and parking problems.

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