More than 70 adults – and a number of youngsters – attended a public meeting tonight to discuss plans for a like-for-like replacement of the synthetic sports pitch at Portlethen Academy.
A petition from residents had been presented to the community council calling for the meeting with a view to reversing the decision taken by Aberdeenshire Council officers and Robertsons (who own the academy) to provide a replacement 2G pitch this summer. Instead the pitch should be to a 3G standard.
The difference would be that 3G is more suitable for football, rugby and other sports whereas 2G is best for hockey.
It was accepted that changing the decision could delay the replacement of the pitch, but it was felt “this would not cause too much heartache”. There would be no added cost to the council.
Comments made included:
“Portlethen is a centre of excellence for a minority sport.”
“We are living in a dictatorship.”
“We don’t want to put the hockey club out of business but it is a niche activity.”
“There is no school hockey team.”
“The current pitch is unused 95% of the time at weekends.”
“Aberdeenshire Council have not done themselves any favours.”
“Robertsons offering to upgrade to 3G is as if we had won the lottery.”
“A 2G pitch will not benefit the community.”
As the meeting drew to a close former Scotland and Aberdeen manager Craig Brown said there seems to be be something dysfunctional here, with officers working against the electorate. He was unquestionably in favour of 3G, and described the current situation as “looking a gift horse in the mouth.”
Council officers had declined an invitation to attend the meeting, though all four ward councillors were present and spoke about the issues.
Community council chairman Ron Sharp urged those present to “make some noise”. It was suggested that a petition be sent to Aberdeenshire Council, which would take the issue before councillors. Residents were also recommended to contact the chief executive of the council to make their views plain (jim.savege@aberdeenshire.gov.uk).
The community council also reversed its previous decision and agreed unanimously to support the call for a 3G pitch.
The meeting was held in Hillside School.
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