ANDOVER New Street is in ‘urgent need’ of new floodlights and it needs help from residents and supporters to secure public funding.

New Street has said that its existing lights have become ‘out of date’, and without suitable floodlights the club’s ability to host evening games and training sessions is ‘severely compromised’.

The club has now started a petition asking for people to show their support and call for public funding to improve the lights.

The petition states: “The cost of purchasing and installing new floodlights is significant. However, with public funding support, we can ensure that our beloved club continues to move forward and provide opportunities for local players and fans alike.

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“Investing in these facilities will not only benefit the club but also contribute to the overall development of sport within our community.”

New Street has said that bulbs and maintenance parts for its current lights are becoming ‘harder and harder to obtain as seasons go on’.

At the time of writing, 167 people had signed the petition since it was launched on Tuesday, April 9.

One supporter wrote: “It makes sense for it to be useable for as many hours and days possible. Without floodlights it has limited use.”

Another said: “We need to support our grassroots football teams.”

To sign the petition, go to change.org/ANSFLOODLIGHTS.

According to Sport England's Active Lives Survey (2019/20), football remains one of the most popular sports in England with more than two million adults participating weekly.