FOR years local leagues have been battling with various councilsandlocal authorities to improve facilities for the green activity of playing football.

Now it seems Brighton and Hove City Council does not want local football in its parks.

They propose that changing rooms are going to cost an extra £30 a match, which equates to an additional £300 in outgoings for amateur clubs over the course of a season.

As most clubs cannot afford this, they will be getting changed outside, which seems hardly appropriate in the winter months. And as most toilet facilities are based in changing rooms, will the council be locking these as well?

Again, hardly appropriate playing conditions in the 21st century.

Our players regularly complain about not being able to access changing rooms and, when they can, that showers are not working properly.

Now they are going to have to pay for this privilege.

Unfortunately I can only anticipate clubs withdrawing from the game, which surely does nothing towards supporting a green manifesto of getting people exercising outdoors.

Ernie Coleman, fixtures secretary, Brighton, Hove and District Football League