ANGRY parents have hit out at Scottish Borders Council's lack of maintenance on one all-weather pitch already installed in Peeblesshire.
On the week that a planning application was submitted for siting a £1.7 million 3G development in Peebles' Victoria Park, parents six miles away have asked for answers.
In recent months, training and matches at the St Ronan's Primary School astroturf have been cancelled due to its poor condition.
Worn surfaces, broken lights and patched up fencing has led to coaches refusing to use the facility.
And the multi-use arena has been branded a 'disgrace' by one parent.
He said: "No one seems to take responsibility for it, the sports club has been unable to use it for weeks and that is depriving around 70 kids from training.
"Local amateur football team Leithen Rovers also suffer as do the kids at school.
"The surface is slippy and worn out, the fence has holes all round patched up roughly, overhanging trees block out lights, some of which have bulbs out."
The pitch was installed in the grounds of St Ronan's Primary amidst much fanfare almost nine years ago.
But a lack of maintenance in recent years has led to it falling into a dangerous condition.
Scottish Borders Council admit they are aware of the deteriorating state of the facility.
A spokesperson told us: “We are aware of the condition of the pitch at St Ronan’s Primary School and are currently discussing possible solutions.
“The Council will be engaging with community groups on the matter.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here