MUGA Feasibility Report and Summary
Following on from the recreation survey completed in late summer 2025, the Great Somerford Parish Council commissioned an independent expert to conduct a feasibility study on building a Multi-Use Gaming Area (MUGA) in the Glebe Field, and in the Free Gardens. In the interest of complete transparency, the report is linked here. A summary that was discussed in the March GSPC meeting is also linked here.
It was determined by our independent expert that a MUGA is feasible in either location, but that the Glebe Field is preferred for options 1 and 2 (different orientations) due to reasons of ease of access and lower disruption levels during construction. One location in the Free Gardens came in third. Therefore, we have increased our level of effort in trying to secure a license from the Diocese of Bristol, who own the Glebe Field land, and we’ve also let the trustees of the Free Gardens Charity know the situation.
Our next steps will be to arrange a village consultation (we’ll have to rent a large space for that), and follow that with an official poll to find out if our Parish truly wants a MUGA now that it might be closer to reality. The precise nature of the poll (simple yes/no or which location would you prefer) will be dependent on whether we are successful in getting a license for the Glebe Field or not.
We’ll keep all Parishioners posted on our progress using our website, PIE and Facebook.
Thank you.
Councillor Tim Phillips
Initial Recreation Survey
As a follow-up to many comments requesting recreation facilities received as responses to the Neighbourhood Development Plan Questionnaire earlier this year, in August the Parish Council issued a dedicated sports/recreation survey to better understand what was being requested. That survey has been completed, the results analysed, and a summary report discussed in Council. We promised to make a summary of the results publicly available, and you can view that summary by clicking here. Included at the end are proposals for next steps, which were all approved by the Parish Council in our September 3rd meeting.
We are aware that some of you will not be happy with these plans, and some will be delighted. As elected representatives of the Parish it is our responsibility to respond to the majority voice, and that’s what we are doing in this case.
Thank you.
Councillor Tim Phillips