Richard Burden MP opens desperately needed games area in Shenley, South Birmingham

07 July 2008

Young people in Shenley, South Birmingham had their very own July 4 celebrations when desperately needed leisure facilities were opened on Friday July 4 by Richard Burden MP.

Bournville Village Trust (BVT) has developed a floodlit Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in Green Meadow Road which will provide an outdoor sports facility that will be used by the adjacent youth centre, Green Meadow Primary School and the local community. The scheme will act as a diversionary project, especially aimed at young people in an area where there is very little for them to do. The project is estimated to increase the number of people taking part in sport and active recreation by 2,000 people per annum.

The MUGA in Green Meadow Road costs nearly half a million pounds with funding from Bournville Village Trust and lottery funding from Sport England’s West Midlands Regional Sports Board (RSB).

Facilities include young children’s play area and provision for football and basketball. In line with George Cadbury’s (founder of BVT) philosophy of a green living environment, the games area has lots of landscaping, park benches and lighting. The area also has features for people with disabilities. Landscaping includes bright colours so that people with limited eyesight can distinguish the different play areas.

As part of the celebrations Bournville Village Trust hosted a community fun day with circus acts, stalls, barbecue, face painting, bouncy castle and a tug of war. Ex Blues player, Martin O’Connor handed out prizes following a five a side football competition which was organised by Green Meadow Primary School.