EXTRA floodlighting will be installed at Sedgley Park Rugby Club, despite heated objections from residents.

The club, based at Philips Park Road West, Whitefield, requested permission to install a new system to illuminate pitches for evening training sessions.

However, residents objected on the grounds that extra use of pitches would generate additional traffic congestion and light pollution.

Ward councillor Michelle Wiseman spoke on behalf of residents at a meeting of Bury Council's planning control committee. She said that the club had failed to discuss plans with those living nearby and added that the club had breached planning conditions on seven occasions.

However, the committee was told that benefits from the extra facility would outweigh any impact on the green belt location and councillors voted in favour.