A PILOT scheme to allow access to school pitches outside hours has been extended for another year.

The subject of ‘crawl spaces’ in fences at secondary school 3G pitches sparked an unexpected war of words as it came up at a Municipal Buildings meeting.

There was a lengthy debate at the meeting of the education and communities committee over the issue — including a legal query resulting in a recess and Gerry Malone, the head of legal and property services, being drafted in.

Officials had recommended an extension to the scheme at Inverclyde Academy, St Columba’s High School and Port Glasgow Community Campus, but not for other sites.

Their report said a number of issues arose during the initial six month trial period at Inverclyde Academy, with an increase in damage to the pitch, goals and nets.

This had an impact on PE classes at the school.
Over the last six months there were no reports of damage, but litter remains a problem at all of the sites included in the pitch pilot programme.

Hugh Scott, service manager for community safety, resilience and sport, said: “There are some remaining issues with litter, with janitors spending a lot of time to clear the pitches for school in the morning.

“But we are recommending to continue the three crawl spaces for one more year.”

Councillor Natasha Murphy suggested trying to educate young people using the parks by providing black bags and urging them to take their litter away.

Councillor Jim McEleny meanwhile asked for the space that was closed up at Broomhill — because of vandalism — to be re-opened.

Councillor David Wilson spoke out against an extension.

He said: “I was against the trial of crawl holes because of the damage caused at Inverclyde Academy.

“Six months later, we are still getting broken glass. 

“We should close the crawl holes in the three schools.”

But other committee members disagreed.

Councillor Lynne Quinn said: “I see the benefits of these spaces, they provide opportunities for kids for recreation and exercise and meeting friends.

“These pitches belong to the public, they don’t belong to us.

“We look after them for the public and we should do our best to make sure the public get access to them.”

There was more debate about the space that had been closed at the Broomhill park, as Cllr McEleny was blocked from trying to bring the issue on to the agenda.

He subsequently asked for the Broomhill issue to go in front of the full council, and a dispute in the chamber led to a recess and the appearance of senior official Mr Malone.

The unresolved Broomhill matter will now be discussed at a future committee meeting.