A £2.5 million outdoor sports ground has been criticised before it even opens because it will not be floodlit.

The Myra Shay project in Barkerend Road is due to open in 2007, providing a venue for football and cricket.

But there were claims today the extra money needed for the development's lighting was left out of funding bids.

Ward Councillor Ghazanfer Khaliq (Lab, Bradford Moor), a former Lord Mayor of Bradford, said he was surprised at the Myra Shay lighting plans and claimed it will now be under-used - falling short of what the community needs.

He said: "You couldn't make this up. It is obscene that millions are being spent on something that can only be used in daylight hours.

"Evenings are the only opportunity most people get to play sport, and without floodlights the place will be empty at exactly the time when demand is highest."

The Myra Shay project has been developed by Bradford Council, Regen 2000 and private partners.

Coun Khaliq has now called on the authority to secure the £230,000 needed to complete the scheme with floodlights.

He said: "The community is being sold short and the Council should show its commitment to the area by finding the resources and making sure that residents and taxpayers get value for money. In the long term this would be money well spent."

A Council spokesman said residents, sports organisations and ward councillors were all consulted on the project before it went ahead.

He said: "We are of the view that excellent facilities will be provided at Myra Shay even without floodlights. A number of issues, including cost, were factors in not including floodlights in the original scheme.

"Other factors included the open nature of the development which could lead to vandalism, overuse of the grassed pitches and unwanted activity."

The spokesman added: "Streetlighting to the green area running between Beech Grove Park and Barkerend Road is being considered and will be included in the scheme when funds are available."