ALTHOUGH making a far better than expected start to their first season in the Express & Star West Midland Premier Division, Ledbury Town have been dealt a hammer blow to hear that their New Street floodlighting system is below the standard required by the league, writes Greg Edwards.

With little money available the club chairman, committee and members worked hard during the pre-season to upgrade the facilities to Premier Division standard only now to be told that the floodlights are not up to scratch.

Club chairman Chris Stephens said: "At some expense we replaced all the bulbs and cleaned the lamps hoping that it would bring them up to the level required but when the league carried out their test just prior to the midweek home game with Malvern Town, on September 5, we were told they were not up to the standard needed and we would not be able to play night matches.

"Although the league has been very helpful and is prepared to work with us over forthcoming fixtures we have to get the lighting improved."

At the moment the club is obtaining quotes for the upgrade, which Mr Stephens says could cost somewhere between £8,000 to £15,000, this poses a great dilemma for the club as such funds are just not available.

Although the club has a fund-raising committee their present targets will only provide a small part towards the costs the club now faces.

Mr Stephens said: "At the moment we have not officially approached anyone but would welcome support from local businesses, or perhaps the Town council, and we hopefully might be able get a grant from the Herefordshire Football Association.

"It is in our own interest to get it done as soon as possible but we now have a bit of respite because we do not have any night matches until November at the earliest."

Offers of help can be given to the club chairman Chris Stephens on 07870 933390 (mobile).