Call for a second pitch in row over north-east academy’s playing surface upgrade

A hockey club at the centre of a controversial school playing surface have called for a second pitch.

Campaigners have been calling for the pitch at Portlethen Academy to be replaced by a 3G surface so it can be used for competitive football games.

However, a like-for-like 2G replacement was chosen by Aberdeenshire Council because it can accommodate hockey.

Two petitions were launched by the Portlethen Spots Club and Portlethen and District Community Council urging the council to rethink its decision and select a 3G pitch.

The pitch is regularly used by the Aberdeenshire South Hockey Club and according to the group is the only pitch available for miles.

A spokesman for the club said: “The hockey club are happy to support a 3G pitch elsewhere in Portlethen as we feel that there is a need for better sporting facilities in the area.

“However, we don’t want it to be to the detriment of our sport.

“We cannot play hockey on a 3G pitch and there are already land and plans being looked at for a new football pitch in the Hillside area of Portlethen.

“If the pitch is changed to a 3G surface then it is likely that the club will cease to exist.

“As a club we think the ideal solution would be for a new football pitch to be built elsewhere in Portlethen.”

Members of the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee are set to discuss the academy pitch at a meeting tomorrow.

Councillors had instructed officers at its last meeting to report back on a pitch replacement after they blasted officials for not consulting them.

In a report to the area committee Robert Driscoll, acting education and children services director, said: “Portlethen Academy has indicated a strong preference for a 2G pitch as it offers access to a range of sports that are not best delivered on grass – particularly hockey.

“It has considered the value of a 3G pitch recognising the positive impact but has highlighted that it meets this need with its stock of grass pitches.”