Councillors aim volleys over state of pitches

North Lanarkshire councillors debated the condition of the area’s football pitches as the authority’s pitch review was discussed at their latest virtual meeting.

Motherwell councillor Agnes Magowan had lodged a motion asking that the ongoing project look at the condition, usability and accessibility of the area’s open spaces and pitches be accelerated with a report going to the next relevant committee meeting.

She said: “Young people need the chance to take part in sport now as we come out of lockdown.”

She praised the decision to keep grass pitches open throughout the summer this year – but called those in her town “unusable”.

Her motion stated: “There are five public grass pitches in Motherwell and not one is in a fit state; [and] council laments the fact that this situation seems to be echoed in most areas of North Lanarkshire.”

However, the report’s timescale will be unchanged after depute council leader Paul Kelly instead successfully proposed an amendment noting that council “looks forward to implementing the strategy in full in the near future, to ensure equity across North Lanarkshire for first-class open space facilities”.

Councillor Magowan spoke of the benefits of sport for both physical and mental health – but listed problems faced by local clubs including lack of pitch availability and their costs, plus issues ranging from litter and dog mess to uneven and worn surfaces.

She said: “This also seems to be a problem in other areas; we want to be proud of North Lanarkshire

when other teams come to visit, as it states in our vision.”

Councillor Magowan also asked that “as an emergency, this situation is investigated and the available pitches are brought back to a playable standard [and] can be accessed at an affordable rate”, adding: “We must work as a team on this - the effects of team sport cannot be underestimated.”

The motion was supported by Cumbernauld member Junaid Ashraf, who said: “Across the authority there is opportunity to improve our service further – members of the public are crying

out for accessible pitches to use.”

SNP colleague Greg Lennon added that similar challenges exist across North Lanarkshire and said: “We have pitches booked out for months in advance where teams struggle to find a space, and exorbitant costs.

“I’ve heard this review mooted since 2017 – we have to have an honest and reflective approach to football in the authority.”

Councillor Kelly, who also represents a Motherwell ward, responded: “Every night you see teams using the excellent pitches we have.

“Where there are issues, the council is more than happy to work with clubs to make sure games can go ahead.

“Lack of funding has an impact on our ability to manage the pitches we have. We have fantastic clubs in North Lanarkshire and the council is committed to do everything we can to make sure everybody has the opportunity over summer to enjoy the facilities.

“North Lanarkshire is leading the way in terms of pitch strategy and plans for our towns – we have the most ambitious plans of any

council and the pitch review will continue to deliver first-class facilities for all our communities.”

Seconding the successful amendment, which was voted through 41-28, Labour colleague Kenneth Duffy said: “It’s inaccurate to describe all pitches across Motherwell and North Lanarkshire as not fit for use.

“We should welcome the fact that our pitches are open and not padlocked shut unlike [other] areas. Let’s give our officers time and space to carry out this review and we’ll see it later in the year.”

Striking out The condition of football pitches like this one near Coltswood cemetery in Coatbridge were up for debate