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Protest over 'outrageous' football pitch plans

Amy Carr
BBC News, Lincolnshire
James Turner A group of people in outdoor clothing stand by a footpath in a field near a tall hedgerow. One man in dark blue coat and black jeans is holding a white placard that says 'Save this green space'. A blonde lady in a bright orange puffer jacket and jeans holds a banner with a man in a blue coat and brown trousers. The banner reads 'Save Wood Lane Playing Field'. James Turner
Residents are angry about plans to build an artificial football pitch at the Wood Lane playing fields in Louth

Residents have staged a protest against plans to build an artificial football pitch at the Wood Lane playing fields in Louth.

East Lindsey District Council's (ELDC) application to create the new pitch has received more than 175 objections and members of the Save Wood Lane group held a protest on Saturday.

Residents said the plan was "outrageous" and the group said people in the town were "overwhelmingly against" the development because of the loss of green space.

A council spokesperson said they were "unable to comment further until the application has been decided".

Plans for the pitch were submitted by the authority last year.

It wants to create a floodlit, artificial grass pitch surrounded by a 4.5m (15ft) high fence and expand the existing car park.

The protest group wants the council to keep the current playing field freely accessible to everyone and said it was concerned about charges for using an artificial pitch.

It said it was also concerned how the development would affect local wildlife and the noise levels.

James Timson, from the Save Wood Lane group, said: "Over the last 16 years, ELDC have facilitated and allowed the loss of five grass football pitches which were available to the public, and the residents of Louth are now fighting to stop the rot."

James Turner A group of about 50 people including children are walking together across a football field. Some are holding placards reading things like 'leave' or 'save this green space'. Some people have dogs on leads. James Turner
About 50 people gathered to voice their opposition to the development

About 50 people armed with signs and banners gathered on Louth's Wood Lane playing field on Saturday to voice their opposition to the development.

Protesters shouted an array of chants to send their message and sang "save Wood Lane" to the beat of Queen's We Will Rock You, accompanied by a backing track prepared by one of the campaigners.

James Turner A man with a moustache is wearing a black hat and grey coat. He stands in front of a grass football pitch and has his thumbs up.James Turner
George Horton wants the natural grass pitch to stay

Councillor George Horton, from Louth Town Council, thinks it would be possible to build the facility elsewhere.

He also sits on ELDC but is critical of the council's plans: "It's too near the housing - there will be lights, there will be noise".

Horton said an all-weather pitch would be good for the area but claimed ELDC "refuse" to look at other potential locations.

Jenny Tipping, who was also at the protest, added: "A safe environment that is open and visible is so vitally important."

She said children need to be able to "let off steam when they need it, rather than when their parents can afford it".

Residents have until Wednesday to submit their comments on the council's planning portal.

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