Following the story in The Journal on 8th March, Mendip Hockey Club say that talks with the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership have come to an end.

The school is replacing its artificial grass pitch, which the club have used since 2002, and will be renewing it with a 3G surface, which England Hockey deems unsuitable for league or senior hockey training. It will be difficult for the club, which has three women’s, two men’s sides and a junior section of seventy members, to find another suitable surface locally, if at all.

The decision comes despite a petition signed by many in the area and mediation with support from Midsomer Norton Town Council.

A spokesperson for Mendip Hockey Club said: “I’m disappointed to share with you the news that the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership Trustees met last week, and upheld their decision to convert the multi-use sand based astro turf into a football-friendly 3G pitch.

“Despite the club supplying a wealth of evidence gathered from England Hockey and Sport England, contradicting the claim that 3G was cheaper and could be used for a wider range of sports, and the FA indicating that a further 3G pitch in the local area was not warranted, the trustees are standing firm.

“The school has not yet been prepared to share with the hockey club how the estimated £12,000 in revenue that we have contributed will be replaced, or how it intends to support its pupils who need to use practical hockey assessments as part of their GCSEs.

“Sadly, this decision removes access to hockey (a sport which has seen a massive growth in participation since London 2012) for the school’s pupils and for the local community.

It comes as a particular blow to women and girls’ sport in the local area.”

The school has previously told The Journal that it considered the matter closed and that hockey at school level will still be played.

If you can help the club, please email: [email protected]