By John Baron
Additional reporting: Don Mort, LDRS
Farsley Celtic Football Club is aiming to replace the ageing floodlights at its ground with new energy efficient ones.
A new LED system would be installed on four 18-metre columns at the ground, if Leeds City Council gives planning permission. The new lights would replace the eight existing 15-metre columns.
A design report said: “Renewal of the existing system is required to update the ageing and failing existing floodlight system – which is expensive to use and maintain – with a modern floodlight system that is more efficient and gives significantly less light pollution.
“It has been accepted that the existing lights have come to their use of their economic life.”
Farsley Celtic were relegated to the Northern Premier League this season following a challenging season on and off the pitch. The club has been playing home games almost 70 miles away in Buxton after delays installing a 4G pitch at The Citadel.
Farsley teamed up with community interest company GrassRoots Power to draw up the floodlighting plans.
The planning report said: “This development is part of a programme of improvements to our facilities. The club has a detailed development plan in place with floodlighting being a priority improvement currently.”
The new lighting would be more efficient and reduce glare during matches for people living nearby, the report said.
It said: “The replacement masts, which are hydraulic, will save the club money on an ongoing basis, as well as decreasing any light spill to the surrounding area.”
The report said funding was available from the Football Foundation to cover 70 per cent of the cost of replacement floodlights.
Earlier this month Farsley Celtic confirmed it has applied for a grant to lay a new grass pitch at the ground. The club should hear whether it has been successful in June.
An update from the club’s board released this evening stated: “As a board we have a lot of work to do this summer. One of our top priorities is to stabilise the club’s finances and allow David Stockdale to bring in new players for the new season. As David said in his update on Friday, he has already been speaking to potential targets as we prepare for life in the Northern Premier League.
“As we stated earlier this month, we have been busy on the commercial front and have already secured a number of sponsorships for next season.”
The plans can be viewed in full here.
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