AN actor has backed a campaign urging Renfrewshire Council to upgrade the outdoor sports facilities at Gryffe High School, writes Jack Thomson. 

James Nesbitt of Cold Feet fame has joined former Rangers footballer Ally McCoist and Scotland rugby legend Kenny Logan in supporting a petition kickstarted by Houston United.

The amateur team is calling on the council to overhaul the 3G and red blaes surfaces at the school on Old Bridge of Weir Road. 

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In a video 54-year-old Nesbitt said: “We need to upgrade the outdoor sports facilities at Gryffe High School. 

“Please sign the petition.”

The petition has now been signed by around 600 people, who believe pumping money into the facilities is imperative in developing the next generation of sporting talent. 

Alasdair Burns, a coach at Houston United, explained why Nesbitt has decided to back the club’s cause. 

“We’ve got quite a few celebrities waiting in the wings,” Alasdair said. “Good facilities are crucial in nurturing talent and keeping kids healthy and off the street.

“It’s about creating community facilities for every sport. It’s great for mental health and attainment.

“James was made aware of the campaign and he was delighted to put his backing to it. 

“He’s a mad football fan and knows the importance of sport in creating happy healthy young people.”

McCoist and Labour Councillor Jim Sheridan, whose ward covers the Houston school, have also publicly backed the campaign. 

The school’s 3G surface has worn down over time, while blaes pitches are considered no longer suitable for encouraging participation in sport. 

McCoist, a Scotland international in his heyday, said: “The outdoor sports facilities at Gryffe High School are in need of investment as they have deteriorated over the years and are now in need of a review to allow them to cater for and encourage this and future generations to actively participate in various sports.”

READ MORE: Rangers legend Ally McCoist boosts pitch campaign

Councillor Sheridan added: “I’m very happy to back this campaign and I urge the chief executive of Renfrewshire Council to find and commit the necessary resources to upgrade the outdoor sports facilities at Gryffe High School.”

The council has confirmed it is working on its school estate management plan and facilities that are most in need of upgrading will be presented at May’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board. 

A spokesman for the local authority said: “We are developing our school estate management plan which will be presented to our education board in May and this will include prioritising any key upgrades to school facilities in most urgent need.”

To sign the petition visit here.

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