Bags of trouble
A war of words has broken out over bags of litter being left at a junior football ground in N Newmains.
Newmains United were sent a video from the local Woodland Clean-up Group showing the litter which has been spread around their Victoria Park ground where home games are played.
Newmains had not been present at the venue, which is managed by North Lanarkshire Leisure, since their last match there at the end of April.
The latest footage posted by Woodland Clean-up shows rubbish which was left out for uplift still in place.
The club say they have repeatedly contacted NL Leisure in the past month expressing concerns and asking for the refuge to be lifted as per the terms of their lease agreement.
Newmains United chairman Stuart MacKenzie said: “We undoubtedly share the concerns the group has raised with regards to the council and their lack of action regarding litter collecting at our ground.
“We have not played games at the ground for seven weeks. Rubbish left out for collection from back then is still there.
“Litter from the gala day – which was not ran by the club – remains in situ.
“At the end of the season we instigated help through the community payback system and we were hugely appreciative of all the work they did.
“We have contacted the council several times regarding the litter and the fact we are now due to return to the ground with the pitch in this state is hugely disappointing.”
The Woodland Clear-up video shows the extent of the mess and has a comment stating: “This is why we had to stop cleaning it. No respect. I wonder how many people have walked past this and turned a bling eye.”
MacKenzie added: “Victoria Park is owned and managed by North Lanarkshire Council.
“While I repeat we have received no contact from the group, their footage is clearly them saying the council must do better and we thank them for that.”
NL Leisure head of operations Richard Walker said the litter would be removed immediately.
“We were unaware there was an issue with rubbish left at this site,” said Mr Walker.
“During the football season, in terms of our lease agreement with the club, this area is regularly inspected and we uplift any rubbish discarded. This same level of inspection does not apply over the summer months when the pitch is not in use, and it’s disappointing that people choose to dispose of their litter irresponsibly.
“We have arranged to have this rubbish removed as a matter of urgency.”