HEREFORDSHIRE Football Association bosses have withdrawn plans to install an artificial sports pitch at a Hereford school.

Aylestone School and the HFA had prepared joint proposals that would have seen a new artificial grass pitch host football matches and training sessions until 10pm in the week on the school site off Broadlands Lane.

The scheme had the backing of Hereford Football Club and was seen by many sports clubs as a solution to the city’s need for more all-weather pitches.

But the proposals received more than 100 objections from residents.

Objectors feared the development would cause ‘unbearable’ noise and light pollution from floodlights while increasing traffic congestion along the lane.

The applicants had submitted a formal planning application to Herefordshire Council and a decision was expected by May 18.

But HFA representatives announced this week that it would no longer be pursuing the proposals but will continue to look for potential new sites, as well as revisiting previously explored projects.

A HFA spokesperson said: “A partnership with Aylestone School would have enabled the facility to be utilised in the day as well as evening, which would have been a major asset to the children of the school and surrounding ward.

“It is therefore disappointing that the opposition of a small number of vocal, local residents – who were sharing incorrect information to support their complaints – has prevented the development of a facility which would have benefitted a huge number of children and adults in the city of Hereford.

“While this outcome is a major frustration to HFA and Aylestone School, as well as the wider football community of Herefordshire, the HFA remains focused on finding a location to deliver this project as a part of our commitment to the Football Association’s national plan, which highlights the desperate need for more facilities of this kind in our county.

“The HFA and Aylestone School would like to thank the huge number of people who offered their support for this project, having seen what a positive opportunity it was for both organisations and, more importantly, the community as a whole.”