Pitch Levelling at Highbury Playing Field

The Parish Council is aware that there seems to be some confusion over the work taking place at the Highbury Playing Field.  We would like to make the following statement to clarify the situation.

The Parish Council was fully aware of the presence of historical mine shafts. This information came to light during the searches undertaken for the planning application, using a Groundsure report issued by the Coal Authority. These findings were assessed by the engineers and do not affect the works being carried out.

Regarding the material on site, the issue with glass was not unexpected given the pitch’s former use.  This is simply a challenge to overcome rather than a surprise. The original aim was to reuse as much of the existing topsoil as possible on site, but due to isolated contamination in certain areas, alternative options are being considered. The glass is not found across the whole pitch, and some of the topsoil remains suitable for reuse.

Before any works commenced, a desk study and intrusive site investigation were completed, including laboratory analysis of soil samples for metals, TPHs, and PAHs. The results were reviewed by the Environmental Health Officer at Somerset Council as part of the planning process, and no objections were raised.

The import of new soils is being carried out under the CL:AIRE Code of Practice, which ensures that any imported materials meet strict criteria for both chemical and physical quality. In fact, these soils will generally be of better quality than the existing materials on site.

While recent fuel price increases are unfortunate and outside anyone’s control, the works are continuing as planned. The project will not require any additional funding from the Parish Council, as no money is being exchanged as Pennys are completing the work as a community project.

The timing of the works has been transparent from the start, and no football teams were displaced from play last year because of these plans. The upgraded, level pitch, along with the new youth team pitch is intended to improve accessibility and enjoyment for players of all ages, addressing long-standing issues with the existing sloped field and providing a lasting benefit to the wider community and many generations in the future.  The new level pitch will also allow the club to play in higher leagues which was not possible without these improvements. 

The Parish Council is grateful to Pennys for giving us this fantastic opportunity to improve the pitch and we very much look forward to seeing the work finished and the pitch level.  If in the interim you have any concerns during the work, please contact:

Cllr Matthew Allen, Coleford Parish Council

cllr.matthew.allen@colefordpc.org.uk

07814 934618 or

Wayne Frapple, Pennys Group Ltd

Contracts Manager – Minor Works

waynefrapple@pennysgroup.co.uk

07355 607171

Best regards

Vickie Watts

Coleford Parish Clerk

25th April 2026