Denbighshire Criticised for Lack of Investment in 3G Pitches for Schools

Denbighshire has been criticised by an ex-teacher for not investing in 3G pitches for schools.
Of Denbighshire’s eight secondary schools, only two have 3G pitches.
Whilst Ysgol Dinas Brân and Ysgol Glan Clwyd are both equipped with 3G pitches, Christ the Word Catholic School in Rhyl, Denbigh High School, Prestatyn High School, Rhyl High School, St Brigid’s School, and Ysgol Brynhyfryd are all without.
Compare this to neighbouring Conwy’s seven secondary schools, which all have 3G pitches, apart from Ysgol y Creuddyn in Penrhyn Bay.
Earlier this month, Ysgol y Creuddyn was controversially granted planning permission for a new 3G pitch, despite objections from residents who feared the facility would bring noise and light pollution as well as anti-social behaviour.
But the publicity has attracted criticism from a retired teacher, who has slammed Denbighshire County Council, claiming the authority has not invested enough in modern all-weather pitches.
Denbighshire resident and former teacher George Bennett contacted the local democracy reporting service to raise concerns over what he claimed was a lack of provision.
“A lack of suitable all-weather surfaces, namely 3G pitches, severely limits the opportunities young people have,” he said.
“These activities certainly provide a focus which goes a long way to promote physical health and wellbeing. It also encourages teamwork and interaction with others which is sadly lacking in modern day society.
“As a resident of Denbighshire, this got me thinking about the provision of similar facilities in my own area. Conwy has six 3G pitches within a five-mile radius of Colwyn Bay; Flintshire has six within a five-mile radius of Connah’s Quay; Gwynedd and Wrexham are even better off. These are all providing opportunities for the youth of North Wales.
Two 3G pitches near St Asaph, managed by  Denbighshire Leisure (DLL) have the  “most expensive” hire costs  in North Wales, Mr Bennett claimed and “to make matters worse, they have also cancelled any concessions they had previously offered to juniors”. He added: “These excessive costs do a disservice to the sports teams in Denbighshire, especially the youngsters who will miss out on the opportunities provided by other counties.”
Mr Bennett said: “Who is to blame for this? Money is very tight, but surely all counties are in a similar position. Most of these pitches are connected to either a school, a football club, or a local community who have put together a plan to build one of these facilities. Why is Denbighshire different and why are the charges so high?
A Denbighshire County Council spokesman said: “All Denbighshire secondary school sites have access to All-Weather Pitches / Multi Use Game Areas, with different surfaces installed to support the delivery of the full PE curriculum. This allows a multitude of sports to be hosted year-round on these grounds.
“This access is done in partnership with DLL, who manage the out of school hours use of the facilities, meaning young people can access sports facilities outside of term and school time also.
“Over the last 10 years, through the 21st Century schools programme, Denbighshire has invested over £100m in the school estate, and all-weather facilities have been installed as part of every project throughout Denbighshire. We have improved facilities in Cynwyd, Clocaenog, Llanfair, Ruthin, St Asaph, Prestatyn, and Rhyl.”
He added: “In terms of 3G pitches specifically, there are currently two 3G pitches on secondary school sites at Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph and Ysgol Dinas Bran in Llangollen. There is also a 3G pitch at Corwen Leisure Centre which isn’t on a school site.”

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter