SIR,

Until a few years ago, we enjoyed relative peace and quite at the back of our house, this being one of the reasons we chose to buy the property.

However, since some thoughtful person chose to erect a football pitch on some open land bordering the back of St Lawrence Park in Chepstow, apparently with council blessing, our lives have been plagued by almost constant noise from shouting footballers and, as for the language (that we can't help but listen to), it is quite disgusting.

This has to be endured virtually every day and in many instances, from early morning until well into the evening. On occasions, there is noise even after dark, there is no limitation.

What has really annoyed me about this situation is the fact the council approved it without any consultation with those of us who have to endure the noise. It is also worth noting that the person who 'negotiated' the football pitch does not personally live near it, very convenient.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with providing facilities for such activities, in fact I would strongly support it, but it should not be done without any consideration of the impact on those who live nearby. I can't believe there is nowhere else where such a facility could be provided that is not right on top of people's homes.

(Name and address supplied)