Last night I heard that use of the “all-weather” pitch at Portlethen Academy had been cancelled recently because of rain. Which seems rather strange. So I followed this up with Robertsons, the private company responsible for the academy and the surrounding area.
I have now been told that the pitch at Portlethen “is an astro pitch, not all-weather pitch hence not playable in all types of weather conditions.
“During periods of extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, frost, ice and snow, our site staff monitor the surface of the pitch and if necessary due to health & safety reasons cancel any usage until such times as it is safe to reuse.
“I can advise that the pitch has recently been surveyed and has been recommended for replacement in 2018. The work will take approximately six weeks to complete and we will be liaising with school management in the near future on best possible time to schedule the work.”
Robertsons plan to replace the pitch on a like-for-like basis, however the construction of all-weather pitches has moved on since the sand filled carpet (artificial grass) installation at Portlethen Academy.
Council officers tell me that it would be advisable to look at betterment for the future installation as the present surface will not be conducive to all sports in all-weather conditions. There will be a cost implication, but the council has some good data as it is currently undertaking similar projects at both Mintlaw and Turriff.
The council would have to meet the cost of the betterment only. Early days, but fingers crossed.