A NEW artificial sports surface costing up to £270,000 will be installed at Dalgety Bay Sports Centre by the end of the year.

Work began to rip up the existing all-weather pitch at the Harbour Drive facility on 3rd November in preparation for the new generation turf that will allow users to play rugby as well as football.

The new surface has a one star rating from the world football governing body, FIFA, as well as accreditation from the International Rugby Board (IRB). There were rumours that rugby clubs would be given priority booking but they were denied by Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, who operate the centre on behalf of Fife Council.

The trust’s Heather McLay said, “It is a brand new astroturf pitch that is going down at Dalgety Bay that will allow users to play rugby as well as football, which is what it is used for at the moment.

“There will be no priority for any club to use the facility; as with previous bookings, they will come through the trust at the centre on a first come, first served basis.

“Nobody who has used it before is going to now lose out in favour of someone else.

“I believe that it is good for the centre and a boost for the area. There will be a lot of interest, particularly from those who play rugby, and it will make a positive impact.” The council-funded project should be completed by the end of the year and ready for use from early January.

The ‘Field Turf Vertex’ pitch will emulate a natural surface with the added benefits of durability and lower maintenance costs.

Councillor Mark Hood 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 & Leisure Trust, customers, sports clubs and schools to develop a balanced programme for the community.” The work is being carried out by Methil-based firm Doe Sport North Ltd and their spokesman Craig Mitchell said, “We undertook the first re-surface back in 2002, the first full-sized pitch that Doe completed.

“After serving the community so well for so long, I’m delighted we’re back in Dalgety Bay installing the latest generation of artificial sports surface, which will serve this community for the next generation too.” A spokesperson for Fife Council added, “Work has started on the new surface at Dalgety Bay Leisure Centre and will cost in the region of £250,000 to £270,000.

“We are looking to have it completed by the end of the year but how quickly the work will be done is weather dependent. No priority will be given to anybody and it will be open to both clubs and casual users.” 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 earlier this year.