An Aberdeenshire hockey club at the centre of a controversial school playing surface row has called for a second pitch as it fights for its future.
A 2G pitch was built at Portlethen Academy because it is an ideal surface for hockey.
However, campaigners have been calling for the pitch to be upgraded to a 3G surface so it can be used for competitive football games.
But Aberdeenshire South Hockey Club has said that without a 2G pitch the club will be forced to fold.
The 2G is sand-based with short synthetic grass, and gives a hard surface considered best for hockey.
Meanwhile the 3G features long synthetic grass with shock-absorbent rubber crumbs. It is considered best for football, and is also considered safer and more like real grass than 2G.
Two petitions were launched by the Portlethen Sports Club and Portlethen and District Community Council urging the council to rethink its decision and select a 3G pitch.
The pitch is regularly used by the Aberdeenshire South Hockey Club and according to the group is the only pitch available for miles.
A spokesman for the club said: “If the pitch is changed to a 3G surface then it is likely that the club will cease to exist.
“As a club we think the ideal solution would be for a new football pitch to be built elsewhere in Portlethen.”
Members of the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee are set to discuss the academy pitch at a meeting today.
