A PLAN for new all-weather football pitches in Great Harwood has been branded a ‘monstrosity’.

People who live near the proposed site at Bank Mill House have raised concerns including a rise in anti-social behaviour and the impact on wildlife.

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Hyndburn Leisure Trust has submitted an application for the three caged football pitches to the borough council.

The project will use £225,000 of funding secured by the trust in 2015.

However residents living in nearby Beaconsfield Street have expressed their anger.

Phil Cronshaw, 59, said that the proposed pitches would ruin a ‘natural beauty spot’ and cause disruption to residents.

He said: “I don’t want three monstrosity football pitches right behind my house.

“Bank Mill House is a lovely place, it’s a natural local beauty spot. You get an abundance of birds and wildlife there.

“I have spoken to around 20 people in the area and they are all gobsmacked.”

People in Castle Street and Gladstone Street have also raised concerns about the plans.

They have also said that the floodlights will be shining until 10pm at night and could cause disruption to them.

Father-of-four Mr Cronshaw said: “We have already got numerous pitches that are not used to their full potential.”

“Bank Mill House is a lovely place with a nice old folks function room and other facilities. They’re going to have bright lights on and make noise until 10pm and it could be getting on for 11pm by the time everyone has cleared off.”

Plans were submitted in March 2015 for the all-weather pitches to be built on land near the town’s health centre and close to Mercer Hall Leisure Centre, which later fell through.

Cllr Gareth Molineux, who represents the area, said: “The pitches would be important for the neighbouring youth centre facilities, and it would protect them in Great Harwood.

“It is a green area, and it’s a financial burden on the council to maintain it.

“I appreciate residents may have concerns so I advise them to contact the planning department to make sure that any conditions can be applied if necessary.”