The England and Wales Cricket Trust (EWCT) today announced it was making £500,000 available in grants from its emergency fund to help cricket clubs affected by this winter’s bad weather. In addition, the EWCT has made available £1.25 million in interest free loans to assist affected clubs.
The move came after an initial consultation by ECB revealed more than 100 clubs had been affected by severe flooding and storm damage.
The south west and south east of England were the worst-hit areas with clubs experiencing flooding of their grounds, pavilions and machinery stores.
High winds and storms have also led to sightscreens being damaged and many clubs needing assistance to clear fallen trees and debris from their grounds.
Other key projects which clubs need help with include:
- Removing silt and algae from outfields and squares
- Replacing non-turf practice facilities and pitches
- Redecorating pavilions and clubhouses
- Repairing guttering and roofs
- Sourcing alternative cricket pitches to rent while fine turf works are completed on their home ground.
ECB Chief Executive David Collier said: “The recent bad weather has inflicted extensive damage upon our network of recreational cricket clubs and left a significant number facing a real threat to their continued existence. Our priority is to offer urgent assistance to these clubs and enable them to play cricket during the 2014 season.
“We are hugely grateful to the Trust for activating its emergency fund and also very appreciative of Sport England’s recent decision to create a £5 million Flood Relief fund to help restore pitches and sports facilities affected by this winter’s floods and storms.”
ECB has been able to respond quickly to those clubs affected by flooding and has already provided financial support to local cricket clubs.
Since 2007 ECB has invested over £500,000 in supporting clubs affected by flooding. ECB offers a range of guidance documents for cricket clubs on how to help reduce flood risk and flood damage which can be accessed via www.ecb.co.uk.
Clubs that have been affected by flooding and need support to ensure cricket can be played at their ground during the 2014 cricket season should contact the ECB directly at facilities@ecb.co.uk to enquire about the England and Wales Cricket Trust Emergency Fund.
