Unhappy at bid for more floodlights

An application for the 30-foot high structures has been lodged with South Lanarkshire Council. If approved, they will increase coverage at the Uddingston Rugby Club pitch.

A local resident, who has lodged an objection with the council, said existing lighting at the sports complex is already “intrusive” and “causes nuisance”. More floodlighting columns would make things worse.

The resident also referred to increased traffic in the area since an all-weather hockey pitch was installed last year.

He wrote: “Additional lighting will potentially lead to an increase in usage and an adverse impact on road safety.

“Users park on both sides of Castle Avenue and on the pavement, restricting visibility and placing road users and pedestrians at risk.

“They also park on the road and pavement at Castle Gate where there would appear to be an ‘unofficial’ entrance to the facility.

“Additional onsite parking should be a condition of further development.”

Sportscotland also expressed concern at the proposal, stating: “Floodlighting of grass pitches is not usually recommended as it allows for an intensification of use and so can result in excessive wear and tear.”

Meanwhile, the council has approved plans to convert the former Mungall newsagent in Main Street, Uddingston, into a restaurant.

This was despite a local resident’s warning that parking problems will only increase as a result of another eatery in an already busy area.