Council chief defends 3G pitch over cancer concerns
Shetland Times
Concerns about the potentially cancerous ‘rubber crumb’ used in 3G pitches have been played down by SIC chief Maggie Sandison.
A Stirling University study last week called on the artificial pitches to be banned in Scotland due to worries about the infill used.
The study claimed the rubber was possibly carcinogenic – and called on the Scottish government to act swiftly.
With a 3G pitch on the cards for Lerwick, Mrs Sandison was questioned by councillor Moraig Lyall if the SIC was concerned by the report.
The council chief said sportscotland, Scottish Football Association and Scottish Rugby “continue to be supportive” of the use of rubber crumb in 3G pitches.
“The Scottish government refute the claims made,” she said.
She said another study was looking at cork being used as the infill on such pitches, which could be used in the Lerwick pitch.
But Mrs Lyall said that, given the tight timeline for the 3G pitch – which must be completed by June 2025 because of the external funding – that study was unlikely to be complete.
She added it would be “very unfortunate” if the SIC committed to building a pitch which was then banned.
Councillor Arwed Wenger tabled an amendment to have the 3G pitch moved to the bottom of the council’s priority list, but could not find a seconder.
Mr ian Tinkler
SIC chief Maggie Sandison truly is not remotely qualified to hold an opinion here. 3G pitches are highly polluting and extraordinarily expensive to maintain and use. You can not even walk on them, play on them, or run on them without special and expensive footwear. This is just another prestige project from the SIC. Surely a decent open park and tree arboretum would be money better spent?
Mr ian Tinkler
Two further points: if the present pitch can become waterlogged, raising it by 0.5 metres on a bed of sand/gravel is not rocket science; it will ensure good drainage.
A further consideration: Clickimen is already highly polluted to the point of being toxic to wildlife. Do we really want to pollute this area of Lerwick further? It’s not good for the High School pupils or the athletes!