KENNET planners are being recommended to approve floodlights at Marlborough Town FC, but with restrictions to reduce glare to neighbouring homes.

In its application to the council, the club said it needs lighting for training during dark winter evenings. It is proposing four lighting columns each supporting four floodlights.

A statement from the club said: "We envisage the lights to be on at most twice a week with a time scale of three and a half hours from 6pm to 9.30pm. The lighting is to enable us to further promote junior and youth football as there are better standards available in floodlit leagues, and also the opportunity for the young men to have a stepping stone between youth and senior football.

"It would also be an FA requirement if we were to be promoted to a higher league which we are striving to achieve with our neighbouring teams."

The club said one of its criteria in making the application was to keep light pollution to a minimum for residents in neighbouring Barrow Close.

However, two residents in Barrow Close, three from Cornerfields and one from Elcot Lane have sent letters of objection.

They say light pollution will affect not only their homes but also impact on wildlife and traffic in Elcot Lane.

Council officers say that although the lighting columns will be visible from homes in Barrow Close their slender design will have no adverse effect on residential amenity.

However, they are concerned about the glare affecting homes in Barrow Close.

Councillors are being recommended to approve the plan with the exception of two lights that would have been directed towards Barrow Close homes. Another restriction suggested is a two-night limit until 10pm at the latest.