大象传媒

The changing nature of cricket combined with the spiralling costs of insurance placed the future of an historic village club in Dorset at risk.

A minority of neighbours living close to the ground raised concerns over safety and damage to their properties.

Costs were drawn up for extensive netting around the ground to ensure the safety of adult cricket. But as a result of listed oak trees and the restrictions imposed upon netting in close proximity, this option would have cost up to 拢35,000 - unfeasible for a social club run by volunteers, so it was decided adult cricket was to end at the ground.

Upset at the decision, members of the team set up a petition to raise awareness of the plight of the cricket ground in the hope that the community may rally in support and change the position of the committee.

The petition exceeded all expectations and reached nearly 30,000 signatures in the space of five days including support from Piers Morgan and England Cricket Captain Ben Stokes.

The local community rallied together and demonstrated what adult cricket in the village meant to them. Neighbours previously unaware of just how valuable the cricket heritage of the village was to the community were given a clear insight into how much it meant. As a result, some have now come forward with sizeable offers to cover a portion of the cost of netting.

The committee has reversed its original decision to end adult cricket providing the funds are raised and logistics met to erect the netting required to ensure adult cricket at the ground can continue safely.

大象传媒 Radio Solent reporter Laurence Herdman has the story.

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