Vandalism at East End Park condemned as severe fire damage is assessed

The incident, which caused significant damage to the central section of the surface, occurred just six months after the pitch officially opened in May.  

Debris from a bin which had been set alight is visible on the pitch. It is also understood that the perpetrators were setting off fireworks which also caused damage. 

The facility is regularly used by local youth football clubs as well as members of the wider community and has quickly become a valued asset. 

The damage is and will continue to impact on games and training sessions which are held there each week.  

The project was one of 40 in Scotland to receive a share of £6million for grassroots sporting facilities from the UK Government last year. 

Initial assessments of the damage which was sustained over the weekend suggest the repair could incur significant costs. A full assessment will be carried out before work can begin to reinstate the pitch. 

Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, Councillor David McBride, said: “This reckless and destructive act is deeply disappointing. The pitch at East End Park was created to support local clubs and encourage active lifestyles, and it’s unacceptable that such a valuable community resource has been targeted in this way. This is going to impact negatively on hundreds of local young people. I would urge anyone with information to contact Police Scotland on 101.” 

Vice Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, added: “There is no excuse for this type of thoughtless behaviour. Such vandalism is not only very dangerous but also uses up significant Council resources as we assess the damage and pay for repairs.”