A Perth councillor hopes to get the ball rolling to build a new all-weather multi-sports facility in his local community.
Cllr Brian Leishman is calling for the council to transform the dilapidated tennis courts on Primrose Crescent, Tulloch following his successful election campaign for the Perth City North ward in May.
The PGA golf professional and Labour representative lived in Tulloch for many years and is eager to see the area transformed.
The concrete-covered site, located behind the Tulloch Institute Club, has fallen into disrepair after years of neglect.
“You can see it is not fit for anyone to play sport,” he said.
“It is somewhere that has had a lot of graffiti and there is glass everywhere.
“Its current state is simply not good enough and not what the people of Tulloch deserve. I want to take to the council the proposal to create a vibrant sporting facility we can enjoy in Tulloch and one that we can be proud of.”
Cllr Leishman hopes the revamp can take inspiration from the Scone Ball Court.
The Scone Village Association opened the 3G all weather-surfaced facility in June 2010 and it is maintained by a group of local volunteers.
The court has a football pitch with goals as well as basketball hoops, and is situated in the Scone Recreation Park.
“The vision I have for Tulloch is borrowed on what we see in Scone,” he added.
“The Scone Ball Court is a top quality all-weather, all-year round multi-sports facility that is used by the local community and sports teams to keep fit and socialise.
“Due to the pandemic people of all ages have missed out on so many recreational activities and a new top class sports area in Tulloch will be something that helps breath new life into our community.”
He added: “As we come out the COVID-19 pandemic it is crucial that people get back to socialising and keeping fit and healthy. However, as a country we continue to face another pandemic, that of obesity.
“Over the last few years in Perth we have seen a decline in sports participation in both kids and adults.
“Many sports teams have folded and we need to encourage people to get back into sport and exercise to combat the problem of obesity and ill health.
“Playing sport doesn’t just provide physical health benefits, it also encourages better mental health.
“Something that so many of our people in society are currently struggling with.
“It was a campaign point of mine highlighting that Tulloch and the wider community of Perth City North deserve better facilities.
“Our people and facilities need investment and I believe that a new all weather 12-month year-round multi-sports facility would be fantastic.”
Perth and Kinross Council was approached for comment but one was not provided in time for publication.
