WEST Dunbartonshire Council say they've found 'no evidence' to suggest there is long term health risk by using synthetic pitches.

The local authority has responded to reports elsewhere which claimed the rubber crumb used in synthetic surfaces could cause potentially life threatening illnesses.

In recent months media reports around Europe have claimed that the risk of exposure to rubber crumbs, which are black recycled granules from material such as scrap tyres and conveyor belts, could lead to diseases including cancer.

Currently, the local authority has 11 3G pitches around West Dunbartonshire- with even more set to be introduced in future.

But a report to go before councillors on Wednesday states that the local authority has looked into the reports of a possible health risk- and found no evidence to back up the claims.

The report states: "Recently some concerns have been raised about these surfaces following national media reports which raised questions over the safety of rubber crumb in synthetic pitches.

"Sportscotland and the SFA are supportive of the use of rubber crumb surfaces and this view is reinforced by independent scientific research which has concluded that the surface is safe.

"There is currently no public health guidance in this area however Environmental Health consulted with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board (GGCHB) on the issue in December 2016.

"In terms of the information available at this time, Environmental Health have stated that they would need to have evidence based on sound scientific research endorsed by the appropriate health protection authorities e.g. Health Protection Scotland (HPS) before they could consider instigating any action or investigation on health grounds relating to rubber crumb.

"Currently no such HPS guidance exists.

"At this moment in time there is therefore no reason to take any action."

Tomorrow's meeting of the full council has a packed agenda but one item will go into detail about the provision of sports pitches in the region.

And the report shows that, over the last six years, gross investment into sport pitches

funding- through the Council and external funders- stands at £3,197,000.

The report says: "Over recent years there has been a significant improvement in sport pitches provision.

"Much of the new provision has been jointly funded with sports governing bodies who have been supportive in directing funds to the West Dunbartonshire area.

"Through discussion with Sport Scotland they are very positive about the level

of sports provision now available in West Dunbartonshire."

In addition the report also details areas of West Dunbartonshire where even more pitches will be established.

Future provision includes the following areas: Our Lady and St Patrick’s Secondary School (Provision of 2 synthetic pitches 2017/18), Carleith Primary School (Replacement of blaes pitch 2018/19), Clydemuir Primary School (Replacement of blaes pitch 2017/18), Balloch Campus (provision of 3G pitch 2017/18), Mountblow playing fields (provision of 3G pitch 2017/18), Posties Park (provision of running track and grass football pitch 2017/18), Clydebank Community Sports Hub (provision of synthetic pitch for all sports 2017/18), Holm Park improvements (provision of synthetic pitch and upgrade facilities 2017/18).