Innes calls for patience in relocating

A HEATED public debate took place over a proposed £6 million project that includes a new stadium for Inverurie Locos.

Local residents raised a series of objections, ranging from parking issues to the rights of the Locos committee to sell Harlaw Park, at a meeting at Garioch Sports Centre

Representing the Highland Leaguers was former chairman Eddie Innes, who called for patience from the public.

He said: “A lot of people have got to understand that this is not going to happen this year.

“It is a five year plan. If people read the feasibility study, they will see the amount of time and effort that we have put into this.”

The plans for the new complex would see a 5,000 capacity stadium for Locos on the Strathburn Park site, with a stand capable of seating 500 at first.

The new stadium would feature an all-weather pitch, which would put an end to the series of postponements that blighted Locos last season.

It is a joint project with Garioch Sports Centre, which would also be developed as part of the initiative, greatly increasing the sports facilities available to the people of Inverurie.

Innes insisted that Locos have to look to move stadiums.

He said: “We can’t see Harlaw Park always being there to satisfy our needs.”