Give Our Lady’s kids new sporting chance
Dad says red ash pitches joint worst in whole region
A call has been made for improved sports facilities at a secondary school.
Dad- of- two Stephen Verrecchia believes the ash pitches at Our Lady’s High School, Motherwell, are an embarrassment and is asking North Lanarkshire Council for equality.
Stephen, of Lawson Avenue, Motherwell, has looked at the available sporting facilities across the region and believes Our Lady’s in Dalzell Drive have the joint worst out of 23 schools.
Both Our Lady’s and Kilsyth only have red ash pitches whilst other schools have as many six grass pitches and four 3G astroturf pitches.
Whilst Our Lady’s were offered a merger with Taylor High School three years ago – which would have seen improved facilities on-site – those plans were shelved.
Stephen said: “I think the most important thing for the new council is to bring equality to all the schools.
“It’s not about taking away facilities at schools who already have them, it’s about giving every kid the same chance in life.
“I used to go to Our Lady’s and now my kids are going there but the ash pitches haven’t changed in that time.
“I was doing a bit of research in terms of how it can be an effective money-making idea for a council as well and came up with a business plan.
“I’ve showed this to local councillors and it clearly outlines how – after the initial spend – that the money can be brought back through various groups using it.
“I understand local authorities are under a lot of financial pressure but improved facilities can be a service which the whole community will get the benefits from.”
Whilst North Lanarkshire Council prepare to form an administration, it is believed any future investment into sporting facilities will have to be prioritised by the new council.
But a spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council underlined the on-going work at the school, stating: “Our Lady’s, Taylor, Brannock, Braidhurst and Dalziel are all included in a share of a £10million being spent by North Lanarkshire Council.
“It is hoped the programme will extend significantly the lifespan of the schools as well as modernise heating and lighting systems.
“Our Lady’s will have a full electrical rewire costing £ 1.8million, a suspended ceiling upgrade at a cost of £516,000 and £360,000 spent on internal decoration.”