The Wantage Road lights should be in place for the start of next season

Northants chief executive Mark Tagg believes securing planning permission for permanent floodlights has helped secure the club's future.

The lights should be in place for the start of next season and can be used 15 times a year, subject to various conditions being observed.

"They're hugely important to us," Tagg told BBC Radio Northampton.

"It's no exaggeration to say they're safeguarding our future because cricket is so competitive nowadays."

He added: "It's important we can guarantee the revenue and interest that'll make sure Northants is around for many years to come."

Tagg admitted some local residents had opposed the plans, but stressed: "There are conditions in place to make the sure the neighbours are happy with what we're trying to achieve.

"Yes, there were objections. But hopefully we can all live together happily now.

"The whole point of the lights is being able to play matches at times when people are able to come and watch.

"Television is always attracted by them - and I would also love to be able to stage the final of our local inter-club Twenty20 tournament under them."

The floodlights will cost £650,000, of which £500,000 will be provided by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

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