Burntwood St Matthews Cricket Club have announced plans for a major overhaul of their playing facilities and grounds.
The development, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year, will include the installation of an artificial wicket – subject to planning permission – improvements to the existing playing surface and cricket square, and the provision of a mini football pitch.
There will also be a restoration of the surrounding land, which will involve clearance of overgrown areas, a woodland walk, and introduction of litter bins.
Burntwood St Matthews CC chairman John Farmer said:
“The installation of an artificial wicket on the square will provide a consistent surface for our juniors to learn and develop their technique, and help with reducing wear and tear to the grass wickets. We have also taken advice from the Staffordshire Association of Groundsmen on what we need to do to improve our playing surface and we will be undertaking major remedial work at the end of the season and through the winter.”
The initiative, which was drawn up just over a year ago, is being funded by Section 106 money and donations, including from £3,000 from Lords Taverners, £300 from Burntwood Town Council and £1,000 from the Staffordshire County Council Local Community Fund.
The club are also considering some more long-term plans to further develop their facilities, in particular the changing rooms and car parking areas.
Mr Farmer added:
“The club is currently in discussions with Lichfield District Council in regard to a lease that will allow it to seek funding to upgrade the wholly inadequate changing room facilities currently on the site, as the present building has neither windows nor any mains power.”
The car parking situation is also an important issue to the club, as there is currently no hard standing car park. Many visitors choose to use surrounding roads as an alternative place to park their cars.
Burntwood St Matthews CC are presently awaiting a decision to be made on these more long-term plans, as negotiations with the relevant parties are still on-going.
