TWO synthetic sports pitches in the Isle of Man have been closed due to problems with their floodlights.

Engineers have found potential safety problems with the lights at the pitches in Peel and Castletown following a routine five year inspection.

Until the repair work can be carried out the floodlights can not be used and all evening activities at the pitches have been cancelled. The pitches can still be used during the daytime when the floodlights are not required.

Andy Varnom, the head of sport and recreation for the department, said: "The department apologises for the closure but I am sure that customers will recognise that safety of the public is paramount. All customers with bookings have been contacted."

Work to repair the lights is estimated to take around three weeks. Staff will work with customers to minimise the disruption caused to sporting programmes as far as possible.

The pitch at Ramsey and the outdoor facilities at the NSC and Bowl are unaffected.