A WIRRAL football club’s dream of promotion could be at risk as plans for floodlights have yet to be approved.

West Kirby Football Club had submitted an application to the council for five 50ft-high floodlights and one 58ft floodlight / telecommunications mast at its Marine Park ground.

The proposal was put forward to Wirral’s planning committee in September but received a number of objections from nearby householders.

Telecoms company Shared Access Ltd had offered to provide the floodlights at the ground so the club could move from a Step 7 to a Step 6 in the National League System.

However the company is also proposing a telecommunications mast to be placed at the ground to replace the one at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

Club chairman Richard Parry said: “Planning permission for the floodlights was rejected due to green belt regulations and then we were approached by a company called Shared Access who work with sports grounds and telecoms.

“The company said that they would provide the lights at their own cost if they could put a telecoms mast up but this was also rejected so we have an appeal in June.

“It’s essential for the area to have the telecoms mast because the one at Royal Liverpool Golf Club is going to be taken down.

“This could potentially result in the loss of 4G data for the area.

“Now the government won’t allow houses or infrastructure to be built unless there is access to this data.

“We have been trying to negotiate a sub-lease with Wirral Council but they are demanding large amounts of money as we have explained that as a charity we don’t have the cash to spend.

“There has been a meeting arranged with asset management at the Council and the directors at Shared Access.

“We’ve been told if there’s no progress then Shared Access will withdraw their offer”.

Wirral West MP Margaret Greenwood will visit the club on Friday to talk to the members and address concerns that residents have put towards her about the plans.

Club chairman Richard Parry continued: “Ultimately we want to make progress. We are the oldest club in Wirral, we’re 125 years old and we just need to progress to the next stage.

“I urge any members of the community who have their doubts to come and speak to us at the club. We want the community to benefit from these changes just as much as the club.”

In October Ms Greenwood said: “I have been contacted by a number of constituents who have raised concerns over this planning application.

“I would encourage people to make sure that they put forward their views, whether these be for or against the application, to Wirral Council to ensure they are taken on board by councillors when they are making their decision.”