Sports pitch decline not stopping

The number of public sports pitches in Scotland has fallen

The number of public sports pitches in Scotland is continuing to fall, according to new figures.

There was a loss of 15 pitches in the first quarter of 2007, research from the national sports development agency Sportscotland showed.

This brings the total number of pitches lost since 1996 to 130.

Fields in Trust (Fit), formerly the National Playing Fields Association, described the figures as "the tip of the iceberg".

Sportscotland said schools have been particularly affected as closures and mergers have lead to the loss of many of their playing fields.

But the agency highlighted the increase in the number of synthetic pitches, which went up by 17 in the first quarter of this year.

The overall number of grass and mineral pitches lost was 32, however, giving a net decrease of 15.

A spokesman for Sportscotland said: "We know that quality, accessible facilities are essential for the development of sport at grass-roots level.

"Playing fields remain vulnerable to development pressures and Sportscotland will continue to use its planning powers to ensure they are properly protected."