A SCHEME to bring an all-weather sports pitch to a Northallerton school has been criticised by councillors.

Hambleton District Council's leisure department is applying for planning permission to build a £200,000 floodlit pitch and storage room at the west side of Allertonshire School, in Brompton Road, Northallerton.

Speaking at a meeting of Northallerton Town Council last Monday, deputy mayor, Councillor Jack Dobson, said residents in nearby Swain Court feared the pitch would lead to noise and light pollution in their homes.

Councillor David Blades said the pitch would be too far away for homes to be affected.

Councillor Tony Hall said sports organisations in the town had been waiting for the pitch for years and he thought Allertonshire was the best place for the development.

The town council recommended the pitch for approval. The district council has submitted a National Lottery bid for the project and its future will depend on the outcome.