Scottish Borders Councillor Graham Garvie has announced plans to replace the current 15 year old synthetic turf pitch (STP) at Tweedbank Sports Complex with a new type of surface.

The new pitch will meet the specifications of both the Federation of International Hockey (FIH) and the Football Association (FA).

The decision was reached by the project board after extensive evaluation of synthetic pitch options, detailed investigation into specific sport requirements and consultation with professional bodies.

Councillor Garvie is confident the decision will best meet the demands of the region. He said: "Tweedbank is the most central area of the Scottish Borders which offers a variety of sports provision on a regional basis, so it is our priority to support and maximise the use of the complex in partnership with Borders Sport and Leisure Trust.

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"We are installing a surface which provides as many people as possible with the opportunity to be involved in outdoor physical activity. Advances in outdoor sports playing surface technology, which have been endorsed by the recognised governing bodies of sport for football and hockey, as well as allowing for rugby training, now mean that more sports can legitimately use the same surface."

Current facilities across the Borders are sand-based which, while providing good multi-functional playing surface for hockey training and games, is a poor surface for football and rugby. This updated 3G surface is suitable for both training and competitive football, rugby training and also meets the specifications of the International Hockey Federation. This means the pitch will be a suitable option for both hockey training and hockey games.

Leader of the Council, Councillor David Parker is also very positive about the plans. He said: "These works, together with the fantastic new sports facilities at the new Earlston High School and the new synthetic pitch opening soon in Galashiels, represent a significant step forward in improving access to quality sports facilities in the Borders. I am confident that the public will be pleased to see work get underway so they can continue to enjoy playing a wide variety of sports at Tweedbank."

Work will commence at Tweedbank on completion of the procurement process. This is currently anticipated to be autumn 2009.

(GK/JM)