PITCH DELAY COULD COST

Dollingstown FC are trying to get permission for a 200-seater grandstand and floodlights at Planters Park, but several objections - allegedly from people not living in the area - have seen the process delayed.

If the planning certificate is not granted by October 31, Dollingstown will lose 30,000 funding from Sport NI.

This summer Dollingstown spent 60,000 putting in an access road, new fence and drainage in preparation for their bid for Championship football.

The new stand and floodlights were to be the next step.

Dollingstown FC President Hubert Watson told the 'MAIL': "Everything that's been done here has been funded by ourselves - I'd say we've spent close to 150,000 on the ground.

"This money from Sport NI was to go towards floodlights.

“We're paying 100 a week to train at Lurgan Junior High. We have our own pitch but we can't use it because we've no lights."

He added: "The aim is to take Dollingstown into Championship Two football. We need to have a 200-seater stand and floodlights to meet the requirements.

"The application went in around May or June, but it's been held up by a number of dissenters who don't even live near the pitch.

"These objections don't make sense. We're trying to get to the bottom of what's going on.

“I'm led to believe someone is asking for an Environmental Impact Assessment. There's only three houses within 300 to 400 yards of the ground. These floodlights are only 10 metres high and 80 lux - that's ten times less than Glenavon's. The lights will only be used for a couple of hours a night for training twice a week."

Dollingstown are top of Intermediate A and are the only unbeaten club in Mid Ulster football. The second team play in Reserve Division One.

"This is not just about the club" added Hubert.

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"It's about putting something back into the community. We had a fun day here last year with 1,000 people at it and next year we're hoping for 2,000."

Dollingstown say the withdrawal of funding would both hinder their plans for IFA championship football next year and the community work they provide at Planters Park.