PLANS to install floodlights at a sports ground in Orford have been passed despite concerns from residents.

Warrington Borough Council has granted planning permission for the six 14m high pylons at Rylands Recreation Ground on Gorsey Lane.

Originally proposed to be in use until as late as 10pm, a condition of planning permission being granted means they may only be used until 9pm.

The green light for the scheme comes despite a number of objections from residents of Gorsey Lane and Ryfields Retirement Village.

In his written objection to the application, Paul Sheath said: “I can’t express enough my disappointment that yet more hours are going to be made available to play more sports well into unsociable hours - causing the residents of Gorsey Lane yet more inconvenience of noise, light pollution and being unable to park our cars at weekends.”

Tom O’Mara’s objection added: “I am not objecting to sport for all, but there must be respect for everybody concerned.

“I live in a retirement village along with many elderly and disabled people, and having bright lights shining until late at night would be very unacceptable to all living facing this ground.”

The club says the floodlights will enable it to play evening games at its base.

A number of improvements are planned at the ground, with Rylands FC set to join the North West Counties Football League for the 2018/19 season.

In its application, the club said: “We intend to fully utilise the floodlights by introducing multiple sports to the pitch, and by integrating the community into the project by including girls and women’s sports as well as walking and veterans’ football.

“All in all, this proposal will make it into a real community sports club for all within the Orford area.”