A new extra high fence has been erected at Newtonhill’s football pitch to stop balls straying on to the nearby road and local gardens.

Local councillor Ian Mollison welcomed the work. “The new fence is all-metal bar an extra six feet of netting above the goal area. It replaces a lower one which had done good service but had seen better days.

“Over the years I have received complaints from drivers on Park Place and from nearby residents when footballs flew over the old fence and bounced on to the road and into gardens. On the odd occasion a ball hit windows. Some local people were concerned for their safety while a match was taking place.

“The pitch is used regularly by the Newtonhill and Cammachmore football teams, and by the public. Aberdeenshire Council’s investment here will be welcomed by residents and footballers alike.”