THE new synthetic pitches at Lochgelly High Community Use were opened on Friday and have proved popular with users.

Sarah Roxburgh, Head of Community Use, is delighted with the new 3G surface and is looking forward to seeing these busy again with local clubs and groups.

“The Community Use School is a great asset for the area and we want to make sure that local people continue to have access to the best facilities,” she said this week.

“This new surface replaces something that was very tired and often closed due to being unsafe.

“Now, it looks fabulous and will improve the playing experience and enjoyment factor!

“The investment will benefit pupils as well as the wider community.” Sarah thanked Fife Council and members of the local Area Committee for their investment and support in regenerating the synthetic pitches and is confident that they will have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the local population.

“The new synthetic pitches are part of a £200k investment made in the sports facilities at Lochgelly High Community Use by the Council,” said Councillor Mark Hood, Executive spokesperson.

“Our aim is to create more opportunities for people to get physically active and enjoy sport in our area.

“Improving the facilities is the first step, we now need to look at increasing access and adding to the facilities available.” Dean Ewing, Midnight League SFA Coach, added, “The upgrade of the playing surface at Lochgelly High Community Use synthetic pitch is fantastic for anyone football orientated in the town and the surrounding area!

“A personal benefit is the increase in numbers to our Friday Night Midnight League Football. Beforehand the reputation of the poor and ‘sandy’ surface turned a lot of kids in the area away from attending the Midnight League! After two weeks of having this great playing surface we have already seen a significant increase in numbers attending, especially new faces!

“Many kids would also travel outwith Lochgelly to play football on a quality surface! Now with the new playing surface they can play and enjoy their football in their own community! It will also benefit local boys clubs looking for somewhere to train, and for people of all ages for a simple game of five a sides!”