The synthetic pitch surface at Portlethen Academy is to be replaced this summer as it is coming to the end of its life.
Portlethen and District Community Council heard tonight that Aberdeenshire Council officers have taken the decision to replace the existing surface with a new multi-use one, one that can accommodate hockey. The meeting was told that it became clear that losing the ability to host hockey would lead to a significant under-provision of hockey pitches in Aberdeenshire as a whole.
If it were replaced with an all-weather football pitch, there would be nowhere in the south of Aberdeenshire to play competitive hockey.
Replacing like-for-like means that nothing will change. This decision has been taken in the interests of the clubs that exist in the academy network.
The alternative was an all-weather football pitch, however officers are confident that the community wanting to play football have existing facilities available to them, and this keeps hockey on the list of opportunities as well. This surface can be used for recreational football.
The meeting heard that the academy offers a range of sports to pupils including hockey.
- The community council also awarded £600 to the ATC for new tents, and £500 to Hillside Baby and Toddler group, to help them with start-up costs.