The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Starting gun fired as university plans new jogging trail
St Andrews University is to replace its athletics track with a 500m running and jogging trail. The all-weather, floodlit facility at University Park will be funded by the university for use by students, staff and the community – and it will be free to use.
The old 400m track will be removed for health and safety reasons.
It is full of holes and industry experts have declared that it is beyond repair.
The university now plans to extend and resurface its 3G pitch, which is next to the old track.
Meanwhile, it has pledged to work with Scottish Athletics and Fife Council to support the development of a new 400m track elsewhere in north-east Fife.
The decision follows an extensive consultation with users.
A move to close the old track sparked an outcry when it was announced in September.
Students and sports clubs said it was well used and their nearest alternatives to St Andrews were in Dundee or Glenrothes.
Many commented it was unfair to remove the track to create a larger rugby pitch.
This led to an extensive consultation involving the university, students, clubs and community members.
The university said it was not possible to repair the track. However, the consultation found that a safe running and jogging area was important, particularly to female runners.
Staff said the new trail would address this while also encouraging more casual runners.
According to the university, demand for the 3G pitch is growing among both male and female users.
Subject to planning permission, work to create the new facility will begin before the end of the year and should finish next year.
Stephen Stewart, director of Saints Sport, which provides the university’s sporting facilities, said the consultation had proved useful.
He said: “We’re grateful to those who took the time to consult with us, to make constructive suggestions, and to understand the challenges the university faces in replacing a running a track in its current location.
“We have listened to the arguments about the importance of a safe running facility, especially for female runners, and the claims about the extent to which the old track was used casually.
“We’re prepared to invest in a new all-weather, floodlit jogging trail to answer those demands.”
Mr Stewart said the university accepted that neither Fife Council nor Scottish Athletics could contribute financially, but added: “We stand ready to work with them to advocate for a fit-for-purpose track and field facility offering all-year-round access.”