David Todd, has also been joined in his investigations into the subject, which has regularly been on the agenda at the Brechin Area Partnership, by Tory MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Murdo Fraser.

The duo's research has provoked a response which underlines that Angus Council have nothing in their budget, either at present or in the future, to replace the surface, which has come in for a great deal of criticism from local sports enthusiasts.

Mr Fraser wrote to Angus Council's Chief Executive and asked: "I have been contacted in Brechin in connection with the provision of all-weather sports facilities in the town. As I am sure you are aware, this is an issue which comes up with some regularity and there is a feeling that there is a lack of facilities particularly for youngsters which would assist in providing diversionary activities to help reduce antisocial behaviour etc.

"I understand that there is an existing hard pitch at the Inch, which was installed in the late eighties, but is seriously underused. Part of the reason for this may be that the surface is simply too hard to be safe to play on and would ideally require to be replaced with some sort of Astroturf to allow football, hockey or other games to be played.

"I am aware that there has been a proposal to install an all-weather pitch at Brechin High School, but I am not sure where matters currently stand with that.

"I would be grateful if you could let me know what the Council's current plans are on the development of all-weather sports facilities in Brechin, which I am sure would be well supported by the local community."

In response Mr Sawyers said: "Consultation took place with the local community and sports clubs prior to a decision being taken on the type of surface for the construction of the outdoor surface at Brechin.

"At the time of the proposed development there were other such surfaces across Angus where a number of different sports were being catered for. These tarmacadam outdoor multi-purpose courts currently exist at Lochside LC, Forfar, Carnoustie LC, Saltire LC, Arbroath and Hercules Den, Arbroath.

"These surfaces have been used for football, basketball, tennis, and roller hockey and are not designed for a single sport use. Roller Hockey, in its time, required this particular type of smooth surface to allow wheels to run effectively.

"The lack of use of the Brechin Outdoor Court has been the subject of discussions at the City of Brechin and Area Partnership, where it was agreed that consultation with the community should take place to determine whether there was any support to pursue the replacement of the court surface with a synthetic carpet, or any other suggestions for the use of the area.

"Leisure Centre users as well as the 'Have Your Say' pages on the Angus Council website were used to gauge community interest which at the conclusion of the consultation was very nearly non-existent. Comments were not received with regard to a full-size synthetic surface at Brechin High School during this process.

"On this basis, the City of Brechin and Area partnership dropped the issue from its agenda and agreed it would take no further action. (It was however, discussed briefly at last week's meeting).

"At this stage there is no funding identified for any proposed changes to the outdoor court surface, but the council would welcome any further discussions with the community to determine future thoughts."

Mr Todd added: "This begs the question, what has happened to the idea of an all-weather playing surface at the Leisure Centre, when its obvious this type of surface was wrongly thought out in the first place.

"I think the people of Brechin are unanimous in thinking we got it wrong. It has been as much use as a chocolate teapot.

"What I am really appalled at is our Councillors paying lip service to the idea of having the matter rectified for the benefit of our young people and knowing full well that Angus Leisure and Recreation have no intention of doing anything of the kind as they are unaware of the problem.

"The correspondence shows that following my meeting with Murdo Fraser MSP, who at least took the trouble to get to the truth of the matter by sending me a copy of the council's current position on the issue which is that they are to do - nothing - unless our Councilliors make an approach on behalf of our youth, which they obviously haven't done of late.

"I do not represent any organisation, but I have taken the views of my colleagues of the same vintage as myself and they are of the same opinion. Our youths are not getting the consideration that they should compared to other towns in Angus."

At last week's meeting of the Brechin and Area Partnership, Angus Council leader, Bob Myles, informed that meeting that the council hoped to have " close relationship" with Brechin City FC, in providing all-weather facilities in the future, should the club, at some time, go ahead with plans for a new stadium.