A NEW traditional sports charity in Yoker could be set up by residents in partnership with the shinty and Gaelic football communities.

The Peterson Park playing fields on Yoker Mill Road are historically a Glasgow Life venue, but Peterson Park Hall, which was paid to run the facility, lost their support from the city’s Communities Fund last year.

Now it is hoped that the community and the sports group can work together to re-open and lease the pitches from Glasgow Life while bringing people together in the aftermath of Covid-19.

The pitches are home to the Glaschu Gaels Gaelic football team and to Glasgow Mid Argyll shinty club.

Local councillor Michael Cullen said: “Glasgow Life used to pay the local community group to run the pitches for them.

“Last year Peterson Park Hall lost their funding. Since then, there has been concern about the long-term viability of these pitches because they are the only pitches big enough to play shinty and Gaelic football in the city.

“About two months ago I got together with some residents and representatives from the shinty and Gaelic football about trying to do something with land and getting the community to take ownership of it.

“We are hoping to have the pitches opened up in the next couple of weeks and we have set up an interim arrangement where the shinty are going to be the lease holder on short term basis.”

A spokesperson for Glasgow Life said: “Glasgow City Council has received expressions of interest from local groups regarding Peterson Park pitches.

“While this is being explored, we are in the process of developing a short-term lease which will allow for access to the pitches for the beginning of the shinty season, and for pre-season training.”