CCTV installation to help keep facility pitch perfect
A new state-of-the-art CCTV system has been installed at Strathaven’s W3ST sports facility in a bid to combat vandalism.
The £10,000 technology - complete with night vision - covers the entire pitch and surrounding areas which have been a target for costly acts of mindless vandalism in recent months.
The attacks prompted the Whiteshawgate 3G Sports Trust (W3ST) – a partnership between Strathaven Rugby Club and Strathaven Dynamo AFC – to fundraise in order to install the security measures from Procom, and prevent the facility from possible closure.
And thanks to a community effort through a ‘Justgiving’ campaign and also grant donations and support from Glassford Community Council, Banks Community Fund and South Lanarkshire Council, the funds were secured.
Colin Dalgarno, chairman of W3ST, said: “We can’t thank everyone enough for donating to this very important campaign to install CCTV at W3ST.
“We manage our funds well, but the pandemic had drained resources and the unforeseen costs of necessary security equipment and replacement of damaged items led to us to create this appeal for support.
“Now, we can keep the pitch open for all casual users rather than locking it up and allowing use only by those who hire it out.
“For four years we have kept it as a free facility for the kids in the town.
“However, the constant vandalism and irresponsible behaviour at the pitch had reached a point where security measures were essential.
“Hopefully this will make those responsible think twice about misusing the pitch and surrounding areas in the future. However, they should be warned that if they do, they will be identified and held accountable for damage caused.”
Davy Naismith, president of Strathaven Rugby Club and W3ST Committee Member, said: “Everyone at Strathaven Rugby Club would like to say a big thank you to the people who have given their hard-earned cash, and the organisations who have also contributed, to help us reach our target and allow us to install this essential new equipment to help keep the facilities safe from harm.
“They should know that their kind gestures have helped to ensure the viability of this great community resource.”
Frank McGraw, chairman of Strathaven Dynamo AFC and also a W3ST committee member, called the installation of CCTV “excellent news”.
He added: “Our gratitude goes out to our generous contributors – we appreciate your generosity enormously.
“I can’t imagine how the people of Strathaven would have felt if we had to close the pitch due to the vandalism of a small minority who seek to ruin things for everybody else.
“The new surveillance cameras will go a long way to helping to keep this essential facility and community asset open.”