A NEW sports pitch has been given the go-ahead despite objections from residents.

The village of Lazenby, which lies in the shadows of Teesside's huge chemical giants, is united in calling for the facility, but is split over the location.

Yesterday, planning committee members of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council visited a park, in the High Street, which had been put forward as the location for a multi-sports pitch with floodlights and building.

They were met by a large number of villagers and local children carrying banners showing both support and opposition for the scheme.

The scheme is the brainchild of Lazenby Leisure Group, a community partnership aiming to improve village facilities.

Peter Jones, from the borough council, represented the group, and said the children were playing football in the High Street and using bus shelters for goal posts.

Objector Winifred Walker said: "We think it is too much to put on householders - our quality of life will deteriorate. There is no such thing as a quiet football pitch."

But Brian Jackson, speaking for the residents in favour of the sports pitch, said: "The kids are going to look after this facility - they need a chance and we should be working with them.

"We will get some respect from the kids and respect from the kids for the elderly people.

"This is the best chance the village has got to get something positive done."

After approving the scheme, Councillor Helen McLuckie, chairman of the planning committee, praised the turn-out of villagers and said: "This is one way where children can play safely in the area they live."