Football club says sorry for lack of consultation over lights

Mortimer Football Club, who train at the Alfred Palmer Memorial Field, came under fire from residents and councillors after erecting floodlights without consulting them or going through correct planning channels.
Mortimer FC chairman Glenn Duggleby said that the club wished to apologise for any inconvenience and concern caused to neighbours and that the club would welcome the opportunity to discuss any future alterations to the field with residents as and when they occurred.
“We have definitely learnt the need to engage and consult better and earlier with the local community and, along with our trustees, we have lots of plans to do just that in the future,” he said.
A retrospective planning application was approved by West Berkshire Council in March, provided the floodlights were only switched on between 5.30pm and 8pm, Monday to Thursday, to protect the area and residents from light pollution.
Planners also said that baffles and shields should also be added to the lights to help further preserve the rural environment and that the lights could not be used until these were installed.
Mortimer Parish Council objected to the plans on the grounds that residents would be affected by the lights, which would cause pollution and were inappropriate in a rural setting, and that alternative facilities were available at the Willink Leisure Centre, Burghfield.
A decision on the baffles is expected from West Berkshire Council by July 26.