A PREMIER League football club is embroiled in a row over claims their heated pitch lamps are killing wildlife.
Nearly 11,000 people have signed a petition calling on Brighton & Hove Albion FC to turn off their lights at the Amex Stadium.
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Campaigners say light pollution is having a devastating impact on wildlife and insects at the picturesque South Downs National Park.
The club currently uses heat lamps and lights throughout the night to keep the pitch in pristine condition – causing an orange glow which can be seen for miles around.
Dad-of-three Steve Geliot, 59, started a petition on Change.org, which has so far generated over 10,800 signatures, calling on the club to cut down their light pollution.
His campaign has been backed by the South Downs National Park Authority, who say they are also in contact with Brighton about the matter.
He acknowledged that the light is necessary to “make the grass grow” and “maintain pitch standards.”
But he added: “It’s brighter than the whole of Brighton & Hove. They are chucking light up into the air.
“It’s a huge problem for wildlife, health and wellbeing and astronomy. I don’t think my children have ever seen the Milky Way.”
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Mr Geliot, a photographer, videographer and sculptor, says he also plans to lobby other Premier League teams across the country.
A South Downs National Park spokesperson said: “We’ll seek ways to work with the club to reduce the effects of the lighting on the park.”
The club said: “In winter we must replicate loss of light artificially for our grass pitch.”
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