Concerns over ‘new’ pitch drainage issues

A football pitch laid down only three years ago at considerable cost is strugling with drainage problems.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Dec 2015, 09:29 BST
Local MLA Paul Frew takes a first hand look at Clough football pitch. (Submitted Picture).Local MLA Paul Frew takes a first hand look at Clough football pitch. (Submitted Picture).
Local MLA Paul Frew takes a first hand look at Clough football pitch. (Submitted Picture).

DUP Assemblyman Paul Frew was a prominent campaigner for the pitch near the village of Clough. Now he is concerned that it is being rendered unplayable.

He said: “The pitch is part of a very modern facility that includes changing rooms and a 4G training area.

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“I and the community association and football team fought tooth and nail for many years to achieve this for the area.

The pitch is only about 3 years old and whilst it’s true that there has been a lot of rain lately, it seems to me and the footballers who play on it week on week that water is lying on the pitch and not getting away like it should.”

Mr. Frew noted that for the first 18 months the pitch was playable every week through all weather.

“Now it is struggling to cope. This is very worrying considering the huge investment of time and money spent but also because I was able to get the Milk cup to agree to stage some matches at the venue alongside Broughshane pitch - the only local venues outside of Ballymena showgrounds that have hosted matches.

“I have written to council to ask them to investigate the pitch and take what ever measures are necessary to repair the damage,” he added.

Related topics:DUPBallymena