Marr- ed for the price of a jannie
Vandalism spree at £ 1.3 million Marr astro pitches
Frances Carson, who criticised the council shortly after they opened for not even providing a bin, said: “This is a very expensive asset and the council is not putting someone on duty to protect it. There is no CCTV and people are coming and going over the ten foot high fence at will.”
During the summer one gate was left open when a padlock went missing.
Older teenagers not interested in sport are being blamed for the vandalism, rather than younger football playing boys who spent a happy summer on the pitches.
The complex was opened in July 2015 nine months late.
All weather pitches have finally been declared open - nine months after they should have been.
Sportscotland put in £ 300,000 for the development which includes floodlighting, fencing and covered team dugouts
Critic Frances, chairman of Muirhead Tenants and Residents Association, went on: “Many of the goals, estimated cost around £ 600 each, have bent crossbars and nets very badly damaged.
“The turf has been repeatedly, intentionally burned. This is supposed to be a community asset but now it’s a community disgrace.
“The Council need to be shamed into digging into paying for janitors to protect what is our public asset.
“Many of the coaches who use the place are livid.
“If there was some intelligent thinking at the council they could charge kids 50p or £ 1 to get in and fund the cost of the staff.
“Loads of local kids know the older teenager responsible but are afraid to say.
“The great majority enjoy the facility and are angry it is being abused.”
South Ayrshire Council facilities head David Burns said: “It’s really disappointing that thoughtless individuals have caused this damage. The pitches are there to be booked by the wider community and are available throughout the week during the summer break with staff on hand to make sure the facilities are ready for bookings.
“However when there are no bookings, the gates are locked to prevent misuse, but the fences are being climbed and we strongly suspect this is when the vandalism is taking place.
“I would encourage people in the local community to contact the police if they witness any vandalism.”