Wednesday 3 October 2012

MUGA - sports facilities in the village

My proposals for 're-launching' the MUGA - to be discussed at parish council tonight

The multi-use Games Area funded as part of an original Mid Beds DC programme was opened in 2005 after several years searching for a site and then planning its development.

It is hosted by Holywell Middle School and historically was run by Cranfield Village Sports Association (CVSA) made up of reps from the parish council the district council, and its successor unitary authority, local sports groups and the school.

The school has exclusive use during school hours but other groups can use it outside these and in school holidays. Initially there was strong use, not just from Colts but netball and also tennis and some casual five aside.

However difficulties in management and a growing belief that the surface is unsuitable for young footballers has led to a decline in use.  In addition the CVSA is now not functioning.  Under the current school management there has been strong interest in working in partnership with other stakeholders and it is time to review the management and governance of the whole facility.

I would propose therefore:

1.     A site visit hosted with the agreement of the headteacher for CB councillors, PC reps and sports reps from the village – especially the Colts

2.     The clerk to write to CBC to establish how they see their “stake” in the facility being represented and enhanced.

3.     The treasurer to supply the PC with an up to date set of accounts, details of bank account and identities of trustees and signatories.

4.     The headteacher to provide a brief summary of his own thoughts on the potential development of the MUGA and how this will integrate with the school infrastructure

5.     A special one-off meeting of PC, CBC, sports reps and school reps to identify

·       A sustainable governance structure

·      A practical booking facility and costs

·      Regular grounds maintenance timetable

·      An achievable set of improvements and pathway towards them

No comments: