Arnos Vale One closed to public

The Arnos Vale One Playing Field will definitely be closed for one month — effective from yesterday to the first week in March. {{more}}However, the schools’ track and field events set for the venue will go on, as scheduled.

This was made public Saturday by acting Manager of the National Sports Council Cecil Charles, on the “Let’s Talk Sports” programme on NBC Radio.

Charles said the field will be closed to facilitate the hosting of regional cricket matches.

The showpiece ground will host four cricket matches this month as the Windwards meet Trinidad and Tobago from February 15 to 18 in the four-day regional competition and the super-50 series on February 21.

Then, on February 24, the Windwards face up to Guyana in the super-50 and, from February 27, both teams go head to head in the four-day regional competition.

Charles, however, said during the period of closure, the ring road of the playing field, the road leading to the arena, as well as the adjoining Arnos Vale Two playing field will be opened to the usual walkers and joggers and other who are engaged in physical activities.

Charles later told SEARCHLIGHT schools that have to use the main facility for their annual track and field championships will do so as scheduled.

The Girls’ High School and the St Vincent Grammar School will on February 6 jointly host their championships, with the West St George inked in for February 7.

Concerns were raised last month that some persons were in a habit of overruling the council’s posting of a notice that the facility was closed.

Reports are also that recently the outfield was sprayed with pesticides and persons still defied the warnings posted and went ahead and used the facility.

The management of the NSC, from time to time, closes the facilities to carry out restorative work — either ahead of a major competition or after the facilities have been used over an extended period. (RT)