New multi use games area for Birstall

A NEW multi-use-games-area (MUGA) costing up to £150,000 is planned for the School Lane playing field.

Birstall Parish Council decided to press ahead with the project at its April meeting, following a public consultation exercise.

There were 134 responses, with 123 in favour and 11 against.

The project has an estimated cost of £85,000-£100,000. The parish council has secured a grant of £150,000 from Charnwood Borough Council for the MUGA.

A MUGA is a steel or timber anti-vandal outdoor fenced area with built-in goal post units for various types of sports games, such as football, basketball or tennis. The outer fencing makes it easier to keep the ball in play.

The parish council will now put the project out to tender.

Consultation exercise comments from some of those supporting the project:

I believe everyone should have access to a MUGA. Therefore, I am in favour of this proposal because it is intended to be inclusive.

We desperately need more of these for our village to bring it to the 21st Century. We need more!

Fantastic idea. Provides a modern facility for the residents of Birstall to enjoy.

Safe spaces for children to try out different sports on an all-weather surface to enjoy outdoors when other surfaces are too wet or muddy

I think an all-weather surface would be great, especially as in the current location the grass is bare and very bumpy

Could satisfy minority interests

More for young people to get involved in outside, all youth clubs closed now.

Markfield has a large MUGA and we have seen retired people playing "walking football. Other walking sports are possible. These MUGAs are not just for the Young.

Comments from some of those against the project:

No, Existing play areas need to be properly maintained before creating more work. ie: the BMX track on Meadow Lane, is sufficient already. Too expensive, will only benefit a minority of people in Birstall. Already have lots of sports facilities in Birstall, football, CO-OP ground, Stonehill playing fields etc

I think as a council taxpayer there are more important and worthy things to spend our money on There seems to be enough sports facilities in Birstall.

Money would be better spent on better facilities in the village.