Pitch hopes dashed as gates are locked

THE GATES to a much used astro pitch have been padlocked, dashing the hopes of local people campaigning to save it.

Residents from Upper Achintore started an online campaign to protect the local astro, as reported in The Oban

Times last week. The petition had been gathering momentum and currently has more than 400 signatures with those concerned hoping to arrange a meeting, with the local authority to share their views.

But access was completely restricted just before the weekend by the council, which cited safety fears.

A Highland Council spokesperson said: ‘Our Community Services and Voluntary Action Lochaber will be carrying out a public consultation survey on play provision in Upper Achintore before the summer holidays. The survey will include the former Upper Achintore Primary School astro-turf pitch at which we have had to prevent public access as it has been declared ‘not fit for purpose’ in a routine safety inspection. For public safety, we have had to lock the gates and erect ‘no entry’ signs at the pitch.’