PLANS have been lodged at the home of much-loved sporting club in Dursley for new floodlights which would make the area around it 'safer and more welcoming'. 

Proposals have been lodged to Stroud District Council at Dursley Rugby Club's home at The Avenue, Stinchcombe, for new floodlights at two areas - the car park and the main playing pitch. 

According to the plans three new columns would be built in the car park west of the clubhouse which the club says would 'enhance the site's security'. 

Six new columns are proposed for the playing pitch to the west of the car park - three columns on both long sides of it, which the club says would allow them to 'play more evening games'. 

According to the documents, the light columns on the pitch would be slightly smaller in height than the rugby posts at either end of the pitch which are 17m. 

If approved the floodlights - proposed as being 15m on the pitch and 10m in the car park - would also help the club 'bring in more revenue'. 

A planning document read: "The proposed pitch lighting will provide long-term support for the club concerning playing, training and off-field revenues.

"The proposed car park lighting is required from a security and safety perspective, given that the existing light has limited scope.

"The lights proposed would allow the club to formalise parking arrangements to ensure better access for users.

"It would also improve access and on-site safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

"Currently, the club has an illuminated training area, however, this offers limited scope for evening training given the large number of teams that the club has across their male, female and youth and mini setups.

"The club could hold evening matches, for example Friday evenings, to help reinforce existing income streams such as the club bar.

"Other clubs within the Stroud district host very well-attended evening games that provide an excellent atmosphere and a good income for the club."

Stinchombe Parish Council says it supports the proposals.  

Members of the public have also written in with messages of approval, arguing that the proposals would allow the club to be more 'safe and welcoming', would 'allow it to grow' and would 'benefit the wider community.' 

One said: "The pitch lights would allow the club to widen the space available for training and ensure a more sustainable approach to the management of the grounds.

"The car park lights are needed due to the amount of times the clubhouse is used in the evenings for social and community activities.

"For those users less sure of foot the dark car park with the slightly uneven surface could be dangerous.

"Car park lights would make this area safer and more welcoming

Another said: "As we head in to the winter months the improved lighting and availability of grounds is required across the full rugby usage of the ground.

"If Dursley Rugby club is going to continue to be a community club for the wider Stinchcombe, Cam and Dursley areas then it must continue to be allowed to grow and develop its offering in line with its role in the community." 

See the plans - tinyurl.com/ys4rm8z7