THE Taunton skies were illuminated this week as Somerset County Cricket Club trialled their five new floodlights.

The first trial took place on Monday evening and lasted for several hours to give an indication as to what impact the lights will have when in action

Somerset are allowed to use the lights 26 times in the first year, to allow for testing, and 17 times a year thereafter.

The 54-metre structures will be used in a competitive match for the first time on April 26, when Somerset host Essex in the Royal London One-Day Cup.

Comments have flooded into your County Gazette since the lights were switched on.

Several have highlighted positives, be it putting Taunton on the sporting map or the proposed boost to the local economy, while others have drawn attention to issues such as light pollution.

Somerset chief executive Andrew Cornish said: “I can assure everyone that all the necessary health and safety works have been carried out to the letter.

“We have also been working closely with the local authority to ensure lights and masts have no negative environmental impacts on the wildlife in the region.

“These lights present a real opportunity for both the club and the town to be a part of something very special.

“I hope everyone will embrace the results of this project and the possibilities the development will present.”

Somerset County Gazette: