Further report called for on Deanshaugh playing fields

Councillors have called for a detailed report after it emerged that plans to provide changing facilities at the reinstated Deanshaugh playing fields in Elgin were to be abandoned.

Provision for a pavilion was included in Moray Council’s forward spending plans for the past two years but did not make it on to the final list of projects.

Members of the children and young people’s services committee were told today that in view of the fact that the council’s financial position had not improved, it was not proposed to make a funding bid for the next financial year.

Reinstatement of the playing fields at Deanshaugh has been going on for several years as part of works associated with the Elgin flood alleviation scheme and three full-size pitches and a training pitch have been created, along with an elevated car park and viewing area.

A report to today’s committee meeting said that in view of the fact most football governing bodies insisted that pitches had suitable changing facilities, there was likely to be little demand for competitive matches at Deanshaugh.

As a result the committee was told that it was proposed to mark out and erect goalposts at only one of the pitches which would be available for recreational football and training.

The report said there were sufficient serviced pitches elsewhere in Elgin to satisfy demand for competitive matches – a claim that was disputed by some members of the committee.

Councillors also expressed their disappointment and frustration that the level of provision now proposed for Deanshaugh came nowhere close to the aspirations and expectations of football clubs and the local community.

A further report covering all aspects of the Deanshaugh project will be prepared for a meeting of the full council next month.

Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 95,510 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.

Headquartered in  Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.