£150k boost for Buckie all-weather pitch revamp hailed
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PLANS to breathe a new lease of life into Buckie's ageing all-weather football pitch have been handed a £150,000 boost.
The pitch, which his situated beside Buckie Community High School and Buckie Thistle's Victoria Park ground, has been awarded the cash from a £2 million UK government fund to improve grassroots football facilities across the country
The investment forms part of the first tranche of £230 million package in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to help tackle health inequalities through sport.
Moray Council were one of 18 successful applicants to the fund in Scotland. The funding will help to resurface the carpet and provide support for its maintenance which will help both the school and local football clubs to use it. At over 13 years old, the pitch is three years past its predicted lifespan, with councillors on the local authority's education committee being told in August last year that it was in the worst condition of the council-owned artificial pitches and has also been the most used.
The pitch is popular not only with the Jags and BCHS but with many community clubs.
News of the funding was welcomed by Moray MP Douglas Ross, who stated that it was a perfect example of the UK government delivering benefits for Moray, with boosting physical activity vital as the country rebuilds from the pandemic.
He continued: “This is fantastic news for Buckie and the wider Moray area as a whole.
"The UK government have stepped up and recognised how important this pitch is for the local community.
“This money will be a fantastic boost for both local football clubs and the school to allow them to play on a top class playing surface.
“As we rebuild from the pandemic, improving our physical activity will be vitally important and having access to facilities on our doorstep is really important.
“I know from my own involvement in football how it can bring people and communities together. This funding boost from the UK government will help to achieve that in Buckie.
The announcement was also welcomed by the town's three councillors, Tim Eagle, Gordon Cowie and Sonya Warren.
Councillor Eagle said: “It is amazing news to hear of the UK government investment in the astroturf pitch at Buckie.
“This is a very well used facility from Buckie Thistle and their football development programme to high school pupils and amateur groups.
“The condition of the carpet has been discussed in the council for some time and so this funding, coupled with an investment from Moray Council will ensure a first class pitch for years to come.
“I continue to support and promote all sports and leisure in Buckie and encourage everyone to take part in the wide range of options available."
Councillor Cowie noted that the refurbished pitch would be a major boost to grassroots sport in Buckie and the surrounding area.
"This is a very welcome investment as the astro pitch is showing signs of wear and tear.
"It's a very well-used facility it needs to be upgraded to encourage the future as it used by many schools and sport clubs, including all grass roots football associated with Buckie and beyond."
Councillor Warren added: "I'm delighted that the council has been successful in securing £150,000 for Buckie's 3G pitch.
"It's very well used by a wide variety of groups and look forward to that continuing to be the case after the revamp work is completed."
