THE opening of a new £270,000 artificial sports surface scheduled for the end of 2014 in Dalgety Bay has been delayed until at least the middle of this month.

Work to replace the existing pitch at the town’s sports centre began on 3rd November in preparation for the new-generation turf that will allow users to play rugby as well as football.

Funded by Fife Council, the ‘Field Turf Vertex’ pitch has a one-star rating from world football governing body FIFA, as well as accreditation from the International Rugby Board (IRB).

The surface, which is used by American Major League Soccer and NFL sides Seattle Sounders and Seattle Seahawks, is designed to emulate a natural grass pitch with the added benefits of durability and lower maintenance costs.

Council chiefs had hoped that the work, carried out by Methil-based firm Doe Sport North Ltd, would be ready for use at the start of the year but now say that the contractors are “seven to 10 days behind their own schedule” due to weather conditions.

A spokesperson for the council said, “Although we said that we hoped the surface would be completed by the end of the year, it was weather-dependent. The contractors said that they needed a good dry spell in December because the sand that goes down underneath the pitch itself needs to be dry. They are seven to 10 days behind their own schedule at the moment and although we can’t give a definitive opening date, it should be ready in around two weeks if we get favourable weather conditions.” The next-generation turf that will be laid at the Harbour Drive facility was hailed by Councillor Mark Hood, who said, “This is a popular facility in West Fife and I’m pleased that the replacement surface will mean people can play rugby as well as other sports here.

“This upgrade is contributing to Fife Council delivering on its rugby development plan and local rugby clubs are excited to see the IRB-approved surface coming to the area.

“The pitch will, of course, still be available for football and other sports too. The council will work with Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, customers, sports clubs and schools to develop a balanced programme for the community.” The new astroturf pitch comes after Dalgety Bay residents rejected a £100,000 plan under Fife Council’s draft budget proposals to turn the facility into a gymnastics facility last year.