Perth Voice Interactive

MORE than 400 locals are opposing plans to install new floodlights and upgrade De Lacey reserve in Maylands.

The site is used by cricket and soccer clubs and includes changing rooms and a children’s playground.

Gareth Davies says locals are concerned about increased traffic and parking on Richard Street, which runs along the side of the reserve, and loss of privacy: “There are safety concerns for children attending the after-school care centre on Richard Street due to the increased traffic,” he says. “The height of the new floodlights is also inappropriate to the reserve: three are 26m high and one is 31m. We feel the upgrade would have a negative impact on the privacy of houses around and on the park.”

In September Bayswater council voted to upgrade the reserve’s corroding lights because they no longer conform to Australian Standards. Following the unexpected public backlash the works have been put on hold.

“The city has written to 150 properties immediately adjacent/facing and surrounding De Lacey reserve, as well as current users of the reserve including sports clubs,” says mayor Sylvan Albert.

“In addition the city is pursuing a public meeting to address any possible community concerns. Following completion of community consultation, and subject to approvals, work is intended to progress in the coming months.”

The reserve is a designated dog exercise area when sport is not played.

Mr Davies says Gibbney Reserve, where towering lights would be further from homes, would be better for evening training. “That reserve is almost double the size of De Lacey,” he says. “It is also large enough to accommodate more than one code of sport at anyone time.”

by STEPHEN POLLOCK