Highland Council to keep its own goals as Inverness pitch goes without
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After Highland Council literally moved the goalposts at a play park in Inverness, it has been confirmed they will not be reinstated.
The goals at Burn Brae Park in Westhill were put in place in summer 2022 on a field beside a play equipment area including swings and a slide.
It led to complaints of antisocial behaviour with some neighbours reporting that those playing there were causing noise pollution.
However, the posts were removed in March because the pitch needed time to recover, stated a sign which included a council logo.
The goalposts were on the agenda of the local community council last week and some Highland councillors and officials discussed the matter yesterday.
Following a vote, they decided not to reinstate the goalposts. A suggestion from Inverness South councillor Ken Gowans to have a single smaller goal, designed for younger children, was also rejected.
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “Goalposts were removed in late March from Burn Brae Park, Westhill in Inverness. The decision to remove the goals was taken following issues raised with the council by local residents.
“Local members and council officers met yesterday for an update on the park and to consider the existing issues and came to a majority decision that no goals will be returned to the park.
“The decision not to return goals to the park was made due the prohibitive cost of erecting high fencing that would be required, ground re-seeding and ongoing maintenance; and continuing representations from local residents.
“All noted that the park can still be used for kick-about football use without a set of goals being sited. Alternative locations to play football in the local area are also still available at Maxwell and Smithton parks.”
Local resident Neil Riddle said: "I'm just astounded that they have been taken away. They were so well used and appreciated by the local kids. People moan if kids are wandering the streets and when there are no facilities available what other options are there for them?"
