A petition against a decision made by the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership had reached over 2,700 signatures as The Journal went to press this week. Mendip Hockey Club, which has used Norton Hill School’s Artificial Grass Pitch since its construction in 2002, says it will be forced to move away from the area if the school does not reconsider.

At a meeting on 1st February, the board of trustees of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership (MNSP), voted to replace the sand-based artificial grass pitch with a 40mm 3G surface, which England Hockey deems unsuitable for league hockey or senior training.

The club says it has contributed tens of thousands of pounds in the surface’s upkeep over a sixteen-year period. A spokesperson for the club said: “Should the proposed replacement go ahead, it would sound the death knell for hockey in the Midsomer Norton area. The closest floodlit hockey pitches would be more than ten miles away. There are already two 3G pitches within a three-mile radius of Norton Hill School.

“The school is basing its rationale for change on the basis that the demand for football pitches outstrips the demand for hockey. And yet, Mendip Hockey Club currently boasts three women’s teams, two men’s teams and a seventy-strong junior section. It is one of very few local sports clubs to offer opportunities to all members of the community, regardless of gender, age or athletic ability.

“Changing the surface of the Norton Hill School artificial pitch to 3G would be a catastrophe, not only for Mendip Hockey Club, but for generations of young people who would miss out on the physical, mental, social and emotional benefits that playing hockey can bring.”

Mendip Hockey Club is something of a local institution, formed in 1975 as Timsbury Ladies Hockey Club. It moved to a new home in Peasedown St John in 1992, acquiring the new name, Peasedown Mendip LHC.

In 1999, when England Hockey ruled that all league matches should be played on artificial pitches, Mendip lost ‘Peasedown’ from its title and moved their home games to Wells and Trowbridge. In 2002, they returned; moving to the then new pitch at Norton Hill School and the first Mendip Men’s team was formed in 2003. Since then, the club has gone from strength to strength.

In a joint statement released by the MNSP Trust, Stuart Warrener (Chair) and Alun Williams (CEO) have said: “In recent days, a number of emails have been received expressing concern at the decision taken by the Midsomer Norton Schools’ Partnership (the Trust) to replace the worn out pitch at Norton Hill School.

“At its meeting on 1st February 2018, the Trust reviewed three options, with costings, to replace the current pitch. After discussion and consideration, trustees voted unanimously to upgrade the current facility using 3G 40mm Pile.

“The pitch is principally a Norton Hill School facility, available for use by 1,700 school pupils. They are our first priority.

“When consulted, the PE staff at the school expressed a preference for the 3G facility for their teaching needs. It is a more forgiving surface, able to be used for a wider range of activities than a carpet surface.

“Children generally prefer the 3G surface for football (both girls and boys). The carpet surface is not particularly good for football – and can cause injury. Hockey at school level may still be played on the chosen surface. The sport will not be shut out for school pupils.

“When reviewing costings, the chosen surface was considerably cheaper than a carpet replacement – a very important consideration when school finances are under extreme pressure.

“It has been suggested that the recently installed 3G pitch at Somervale School could be used by both schools, freeing up the pitch at Norton Hill School. This is not feasible, because the facility would be in demand at identical times by both schools.

“Trustees have a duty of prudence as well as a duty of care. We consider both these duties have been observed rationally in making a difficult decision against a backdrop of limited resources and multiple demands. Each trustee expressed frustration that all parties could not be satisfied, but consider the ‘best fit’ has been achieved.

“We consider this matter closed.”

Mendip Hockey Club has now called an Extraordinary General Meeting to be held on Tuesday, 13th March at Chilcompton Sports Club at 7.30 p.m. and is inviting all interested parties to attend. The Club also called upon Midsomer Norton Town Councillors to help them in their plight at the town’s monthly meeting on Monday evening. If anyone has any ideas or think they might be able to help the club, please email: [email protected] or visit: www.mendiphockey.org.uk