Barnard Castle games area barely used 'because it shreds footballs'

A SELDOM used games area has been criticised for shredding footballs and being “out of the way”.

The multi use games area (MUGA) at The TCR Hub, in Barnard Castle, has barely been used since it was installed.

The manager of the TCR Hub, Rachel Tweddle, said the coarse surface had popped balls when people had attempted a kick-about.

She added: “It’s quite far from the building and we cannot supervise people. The ground is not suitable and it rips up footballs every time you go on it.

“It’s not particularly accessible – it is out of the way.”

The Hub’s MUGA was offered as part of a deal with Durham County Council for the One Point Hub offices on the site.

Town councillor Roger Peat has spoken to staff at the county council to work out what could be done about it.

But he has made little progress.

He said: “They’re saying it’s not their responsibility. All it is being used for now is to store barriers.

“I’ve tried connections through the county council and I’ve got nowhere.”

Cllr Peat is one of a number of town council members trying to get lighting at the Dawson Road play area in the town after requests from youngsters.

It is estimated the lighting will cost thousands of pounds.

Meanwhile, the Shaw Bank MUGA is fitted with four light towers.

Ms Tweddle could not recall many bookings at the site.

She added: “We do a bit of beginners cycling on it which is handy when it’s dark but it just shreds footballs.”

A spokesperson for Durham County Council said: “The multi use games area at the TCR Hub in Barnard Castle was installed by the county council as part of negotiations for the existing One Point Centre.

“There have been limited requests for ball games at the site and the surface is not currently identified as a priority for redevelopment by the TCR Hub.”