A FLOODLIT sports pitch for hockey and football is to be created near Durham.

Meadowfield Sports Centre, owned by Durham City Council, is to get an all-weather pitch and a 50-space car park.

The pitch, which will measure 110m by 72m is designed to compensate for the loss of the hockey pitch at New College, in Nevilles Cross, which will go when a housing development is built on the site.

Residents objected to the pitch plans, fearing a loss of open space and extra noise and traffic.

But councillors decided to grant planning permission on condition that the floodlighting was not used after 9pm or on Sundays.