Work to bring a “much loved” Aberdeen playing field back into use will cost “thousands” of pounds, according to a local councillor.
Hazlhead, Queens Cross and Ashley member Martin Greig has fought a dogged campaign to reopen Harlaw playing field
after it was sealed off in May when a sink hole was discovered.
Council chiefs carried out an inspection earlier this month but it is still unclear when the prized piece of green space will be again open to the public.
It’s understood that the field is atop the site of a former dye factory, with a risk more sinkholes could appear.
Mr Greig said there had been “anger” among his constituents over the long delays.
He said: “The three month delay in repairing this simple problem has led to more and more problems.
“The hole could have easily have been checked and then quickly fixed in June.
“It is ironic that this neglect happened over the period of the Olympics when the message about the importance of physical activity and sport in our lives could not have been stronger.”
Mr Greig said local residents have been disappointed by the closure of the filed but have been incredibly patient during the summer.
But he claims they are starting to get angry by what appeared to be “deliberate lack of action”.
He added: “In the local community we have lost Hazlehead Pool and the council simply closed and walked away from our popular and well used Harlaw playing field. I don’t want us to lose yet another local facility.
“This is a large area of ground and cutting the long grass will cost many thousands.
“This is far more expensive than regular cuts would have been. The council is into a period of major budget cuts and this is a regrettable wasteful approach to care for public land.”
Infrastructure convener Neil Cooney said an update was expected soon.
He added: “I know that we have had specialists looking at it.”