Given the global worries over terrorism in recent years, the sporting world has remained relatively untouched by the threat of militant groups and terror threats.

Despite that, plans are already afoot for the U's new stadium to ensure that the new 10,000 all-seater facility is well protected from any potential terrorist or crime threat in the future.

As part of the planning process for the development of the new stadium, the Safety Advisory Group overseeing all elements of safety at Cuckoo Farm have considered the best ways to protect the facility from such threats.

This was particularly brought to light after the attack on Glasgow Airport in June of this year, where a Cherokee Jeep was driven at the main terminal building.

At Cuckoo Farm, work will be carried out to ensure that any areas potentially at risk from similar attacks will be protected by safety barriers.

However, as U's Chief Executive Marie Partner explained, the intention is to do so, without affecting the overall look of the site in a negative way.

"We are keen for the protection not to be in the form of ugly barriers and to maintain a pleasing look to the stadium site overall," she said.

"We are already considering features such as art sculptures in association with the people at First Site which would provide barrier-type safety without simply being concrete posts or blocks.

"We are also looking at flag poles in appropriate areas to give the site some colour and also an earth mound with landscaping is also being considered."

As well as this, the Safety Advisory Group has also recommended toughened glass on the outside of the central stairway of the West Stand to provide protection in that area.

John Hills and Heather Alston have been included on the Safety Advisory Group to provide the latest and up to date perspective from Essex Police, and the group will continue to meet to cover this and other issues regarding the safety of the Cuckoo Farm site.

That includes efficient evacuation procedures and the stadium will include special evacuation lifts to ensure that those on upper levels in the West Stand will be able to leave the stand safely should circumstances mean fans have to get away quickly.

We will continue to visit the site on a weekly basis, so keep your eyes open for our pictures, and those provided on other sites!