Published: Friday, 12th March, 2010 12:52pm

Pupils pitch in for sporting success

PEEBLES High pupils are celebrating after plans for an all-weather pitch hit the back of the net this week.

The full-size second generation pitch, which can be used for hockey or football, will be accompanied by eight 16 metre high floodlights at the Springwood Road school.

Several objections were lodged by nearby residents concerned about light pollution from the facility.

But this week councillors supported the sporting plans - ruling that local objections are outweighed by the benefits to local young people.

The application is however subject to several conditions such as the lights being turned off between 10pm and 7am.

Planning officers must also be consulted and assured before work commences that light spread and its impact on nearby residences is controlled.

Previous proposals for an all-weather pitch and floodlighting were withdrawn in 2001 following objections. Those proposals involved a total wattage output of 98.4KW compared to the 33.6KW now proposed.

PHS Rector John Brown was overjoyed at the news. He said: "This will have a fundamental impact on sports and games in the school. Pupils have being competing admirably in a wide range of sports with our current facilities, so the sky could be the limit now.

"I also hope that in the next few years consideration will be given to our new games hall and complex."

PHS PE teacher David Changling also welcomed the news: He said: "This is not before time. We can now move sports at the school into the next century."

Local councillor Graham Garvie believes the facilities will be a boost not just for Peebles but the region as a whole.

He said: "This project is long overdue for the the biggest High School in the Borders. Over 1400 pupils attend PHS and this new all-weather pitch will benefit all of Peeblesshire not just Peebles.

"The plans look fantastic and I look forward to when it is up and running."