Mystery as Brechin dog owners blamed for pitch shutdown

Closure: Council denies erecting sign preventing youngsters getting in to play football

Angry locals are thought to have put up a sign shaming irresponsible dog owners who have spoiled the fun of football-playing Brechin youngsters.

The all-weather surface at The Inch was replaced by facilities within the town’s new community campus, but after initially being locked and inaccessible local youngsters had been playing there in recent months.

However, the padlock and chain has returned, with a sign saying ‘Sorry for the Inconvenience. Gates Locked Due to Inconsiderate Dog Owners.”

It is believed that Angus Council did not put up the sign, but there is local disappointment that the artificial pitch is again out of bounds to children in the area.

Following its original closure after the

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It is important that the kids of Brechin have facilities like this. JEAN CLARK

opening of the £26 million community campus in 2016, the playing surface and perimeter wall of the pitch were damaged by flood water and the gate was locked.

However, negotiations are continuing with a view to a community group taking over the running of the facility.

Local Jean Clark said her grandsons had been delighted when they were able to get into the ‘cage’ and play football.

“It was locked for a while after the campus opened but just after the summer holidays they came up to visit and were delighted to find the gate open.

“They are 12 and nine and although there is always somebody with them, they thought it was wonderful that they could still use it – they just love to play football.”

She added: “Last weekend they came back up, but when they went round they found the gates locked and the signs up.

“I think it’s important that the kids of Brechin have facilities like this. The campus is quite far away from us and they were able to go somewhere just two minutes away.”

Although dog dirt is an issue which remains a regular feature of community complaints across Angus, she said her grandsons had not previously encountered any problems at the all-weather pitch.