Herringthorpe playing fields floodlights plan: tell us what you think

OBJECTORS have been celebrating this week after Rotherham Rugby Club's plan for floodlights on Herringthorpe playing fields was kicked into touch by planners.

OBJECTORS have been celebrating this week after Rotherham Rugby Club's plan for floodlights on Herringthorpe playing field was kicked into touch by planners.

The plan to site 10 15-metre columns on the fields would have allowed amateur sides and youngsters to play until 9pm in the winter.

The club saw the plan as a way of boosting the sport in the town, but more than 50 objectors met Rotherham Borough Council's planning board at the site and the proposal was narrowly defeated later in a Town Hall vote.

Kath Reeder, from Friends of Herringthorpe Playing Fields, was among many objectors to claim the consultation over lights had been lacking.

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She said: “We don’t object to any sport, it incorporates everyone. But that’s what the fields do without lighting or fencing.

“They are there for kids to do whatever they want and shouldn’t be fenced off for one sport.”

But Rachel Jackson, who works with kids at the club, told councillors: “People might say it’s only a game, but the children playing find it very rewarding and it has a positive impact.

“Rugby union is an inclusive sport and the club teaches children teamwork, respect and discipline.

“That’s why this is so important.”

CLUB CONSIDERING NEXT MOVE OVER LIGHTS PLAN . . . See this week's Advertiser.

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