Spirit of fair play sees facility saved
Athletes will be able to keep on running at the Ravenscraig Sports Facility.
Earlier this year athletics coaches from across North Lanarkshire were distraught when they discovered plans to adapt Ravenscraig’s athletics hall.
They included a covering the long jump facility with a tennis court, removing the throwing cage and removing three of the six lanes of the running track.
However, following a consultation with various parties, NL Leisure confirmed it will retain the six-lane running track and increase its length from 55m to 65m.
The existing technical facilities – including the jump and throw areas – will also be maintained.
In a statement, NL Leisure said: “NL Leisure would like to reaffirm its ongoing commitment to providing athletics provision throughout the local area.
“NL Leisure is extremely hopeful that with the formation of a working group, forging strong relationships with partners and increasing the promotion of the athletics facilities available at Ravenscraig that usage will grow.
“NL Leisure will now look to enter discussions with ScottishAthletics and local clubs about the formation of the working group and aims to implement the above recommendations in a timely manner.
“Negotiations will be ongoing between all parties involved and further updates will be issued in due course.”
Following the consultation it has been recommended by the independent research company that NL Leisure should consider retaining the athletics facilities at Ravenscraig and form a working group to assist with the promotion and growth of athletics in North Lanarkshire.
Tory MSP Graeme Simpson said: “I’m delighted that common sense has prevailed over this matter.
“It was an emotive topic for all concerned and I stated last month that what must not happen is that we pit sport against sport.
“The local clubs and other users of the track have all been at pains to point out the need to co-exist and make the best use of the track hall. The results of the consultation back this up.
“Athletics by nature is a twoseason sport and will move indoors in the winter and then back out in the summer.
“The indoor track is one of two in the whole of Scotland and it would be a shame if it was lost, especially considering the harsh weather we experienced recently.
“I’m delighted to see joined- up thinking from NL Leisure.”