NEW, more energy-efficient LED floodlights have been set up at Ystrad Mynach's Centre for Sporting Excellence.

The upgrades at the council-owned site was paid for through grant funding from the Welsh Government-funded organisation Sport Wales.

It involved replacing the existing metal halide floodlights with Phillips LED floodlights on both pitches at the centre.

The centre, which opened on the old Ystrad Mynach Hospital site in 2014 at a cost of £7 million, is used by football teams from across the borough, as well as regional rugby side Dragons RFC, who use the centre for training.

Cllr Chris Morgan, council cabinet member for leisure, said “Upgrading to LED floodlights has been a fantastic decision for the Centre for Sporting Excellence.

"They have not only significantly improved the quality of lighting for players and spectators, making it safer for evening training and matches but they support our sustainability goals and increase our energy efficiency.”

Owen Hathway, Sport Wales’ assistant director for insight, policy and public affairs, said: “Sport Wales is prioritising tackling climate change to ensure that we deliver an environment in which sport can continue to thrive for future generations.

"We were pleased to support this project to help the Centre for Sporting Excellence upgrade its facilities for multisport experiences, while reducing its carbon footprint.”