PLANNING committee members will decide tonight on whether to approve plans to erect floodlights on tennis courts at Orford Park.

The proposal has provoked anger from residents living nearby on Hallfields Road, who claim that the area is already rife with young people indulging in under age drinking and drug abuse and that any lighting would make the problem worse, encouraging youngsters to use the park and stay out even later.

They claim that they already suffer noise and frequently abusive language from youths playing football on the multi play area.

The floodlights, to be situated on the eastern edge of the Park, will be visible from a number of properties; the nearest being situated 43 metres away.

In recent years bowling greens in the park have been severely damaged by youths playing football and rugby under the reflective light of the floodlit car park.

But planning officers have recommended that the committee vote to approve the proposal claiming it will put an end to the anti-social behaviour of youngsters who hang around the park after dark.

The new floodlights, in operation from 8am until 10pm, on the tennis courts/multi play area are expected to provide a safe area for young people to congregate during the evening.

The community and licensing sergeant has lent his support to the proposal arguing that in other public parks where the lighting has been erected the problem of anti social behaviour has reduced dramatically.