AN artificial surface looks certain to be installed at Scotstoun Stadium this summer, following talks between all the stakeholders.

For the first time the discussions were extended to include Victoria Park Glasgow athletics club, who have used the stadium as their base since 1930.

It is understood that both Glasgow Life, who manage the facility, and Glasgow Warriors, who have played their home games at the stadium since the 2012-13 season, recognise that VPG have legitimate concerns about the rugby club's activities which will now be addressed.

The move comes after recent articles in our sister paper The Herald over the state of the Scotstoun surface.

If the installation of the 3G pitch, costing in the region of £550,000, does go ahead there should be no further postponements of Warriors' home matches from next season onwards.

The club have not been able to train or play on the pitch since December 12. and next Friday's Pro12 game against Munster has already been switched to Rugby Park.

It is understood that the athletics club would prefer to retain a grass infield/rugby pitch, and also remain unhappy about the temporary stands which sit inside the all-weather track for nine months of the year. However, and subject to written guarantees, they have decided to accept the artificial surface in the spirit of compromise.

The new surface will not be suitable for hammer throws, and javelin throwing will also be restricted.

To compensate, it is understood that Glasgow Life and sportscotland will consider erecting a small stand on the back pitches for throwing events at major meets - and possibly also provide cameras which would enable the hammer and javelin competitions to be shown on big screens inside the main stadium.

It is further understood that lanes one and two of the running track will be replaced as they have been damaged in the last couple of years.

Scottish Athletics, who have also been involved in the discussions, had planned to hold one of their major championships at Scotstoun this summer - but that has been put on hold because of the expected pitch installation,

While a sporting solution appears to have been found, the same cannot be said of local residents' concerns. Warriors' success under Gregor Townsend has led to a surge in home attendances, causing logistical problems in the stadium's environs.

A protest petition signed by 1100 people has been sent to city council leader Frank McAveety, local MP Carol Monaghan and other politicians.