HAMPSHIRE residents say noise from rugby players is reaching fever pitch after goalposts were moved to within just 14ft of their homes.

Membership of Ringwood and Ellingham Rugby Club has grown and two pitches were needed at the Parsonage Lane ground, requiring the goalposts, pictured right, to be moved.

But residents of nearby Addison Square say their lives have been made a misery with a bombardment of “flying balls and unbearable noise” three nights a week and every weekend.

Pensioners Fred Turner, 70, and Audrey Hill, 81, are calling for the posts to be moved back.

Mr Turner said: “I cannot go into my garden when there is training or matches because I could be struck by a flying ball.

“The balls land on my roof and cause a racket.

“The aerial has already been broken.”

Rugby club chairman, Howard Neil, said: “We are aware of the problems and have put nets up to stop the balls from flying into the gardens.

“We are doing our best to be good neighbours.”

Residents are also concerned about a planning application to use a PA system for sports events at Ringwood Junior School, next to the rugby pitch, saying noise from the club is already bad enough.

New Forest District Council granted Ellingham and Ringwood Rugby Club permission to build on the Parsonage Barn Lane site, which is shared with Ringwood Junior School but a condition was a ban on the use of a PA system.

Now the school wants the ban lifted, as parents, pupils and staff cannot hear the programme at its outdoor summer event.