Letters / Ignoring the facts?
I read with interest that work on the new 3G pitch has been delayed until mid-February. The explanation is due to the weather and Up Helly Aa.
I was astonished to learn that if for any reason the completion was delayed until after the end of June 2025, the Scottish Football Association has pledged £500,000 would be lost. I am most surprised at the possible risk of losing this pledge.
3G pitch construction, Scottish Water updates, Sumburgh wage increases and more …
The following important facts appear not to be mentioned or debated.
Firstly, a generally good quality synthetic 3G turf surface, under ideal conditions, will only last about eight years. A total replacement, costing about £1.5 million, then being mandatory.
Secondarily, an 11-a-side, 106m x 70m 3G football pitch will cost around £5,500 per year to maintain.
This leaves the council very exposed to ongoing expenses, especially considering the present financial climate.
A further factor not mentioned in the council chamber is that 3G soccer/rugger pitches cannot be used for other sports, such as hockey.
I was informed, online somewhat aggressively, that and I quote “football is the no.1 sport in Shetland amongst males”. That appears to be the principal driving force in this project!
Finally, and most importantly, a 3G pitch requires an infill to lift the turf and make it playable. Many infills are toxic and carcinogenic (cancer-inducing). This matter was discussed on 11 December.
New 3G pitch given final approval by Shetland Islands Council
Neil Watt assured the proposed infill to be safe. He claimed the infill to be “pure grain -essentially corn churned up – that would be used as the infill for the new pitch.” That statement was simply quite wrong and misleading. Churned-up corn? That is plain flour, useless infill, or cornflour/corn starch (corn husks included).
Both are harmless as food but extremely dangerous if inhaled or entering a wound, especially cornflower/corn husk/corn starch. There is not only a risk of allergy but also a causative of extreme and permanent lung damage. Certainly, rugger players will be at risk, face down in the mud is usual!
Tons of infill will be needed, not a clever option close to a school. A further pollution hazard to the Clickimin Loch and basin.
I was most surprised that the one doctor on the council was ignorant of this. The threats are well documented, and recently, the NHS has warned about and limited medical products containing corn starch/cornflour.
All of the above information is available online, I was surprised the councillors were not made aware of this or perhaps simply chose to ignore the facts.
Ian Tinkler
Clousta
