Annan and Stranraer pitch debate heads to extra time

It now appears both Annan and Stranraer could be in line to get a 3G pitch

Councillors have deferred their decision on a preferred site for a second state-of-the-art 3G sports pitch in Dumfries and Galloway.

It comes after Sportscotland confirmed it was keen to look at allowing both competing facilities to be built.

Stranraer and Annan hope to secure a third generation (3G) pitch from Cashback for Communities funding.

Plans for a pitch in Dumfries were also overturned with Dumfries High School now favoured over Maxwelltown High.

The proposal for Annan would see the pitch laid at Galabank - the home of the town's Scottish Football League side.

The project would be a partnership with the local academy and its feeder schools.

As part of its bid Annan Athletic has pledged to provide the capital funding needed to complete the project.

Stranraer's bid was originally based on developing the 3G pitch at the town's academy in partnership with Stranraer FC.

However, the SFL side has since raised a number of concerns with the council about the project.

That has prompted an alternative proposal to be pulled together involving a tie-up between the secondary school and three community clubs: East End, Loch Ryan and Millennium.

Members of the council's policy and resources committee were being asked to select their preferred bid but it now appears both sites could become viable.