Darley Dale Cricket Club receive cash boost to improve pitch

Crucial work to Darley Dale Cricket Club’s square and outfield is being carried out, thanks to £3,050 of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Community Asset Fund.
The floods caused major problems for Darley Dale Cricket Club. Pic courtesy of Darley Dale Cricket Club.The floods caused major problems for Darley Dale Cricket Club. Pic courtesy of Darley Dale Cricket Club.
The floods caused major problems for Darley Dale Cricket Club. Pic courtesy of Darley Dale Cricket Club.

The funding, part of £3,550-worth of necessary repairs to the club’s outfield, comes after Darley Dale saw the worst storms to hit the area in many years through storms Ciara and Dennis earlier this year.

The damage extended well beyond the surface water which engulfed the playing area for many weeks; including the task or removing river silt and de-compacting the outfield.

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The grant has ensured the club’s playing area will be ready for the new season – a far cry from a few months ago - and fit for purpose for the club’s teams, and the various community groups who use the area, as and when recreational cricket resumes.

Andy Topley, Chairman at Darley Dale Cricket Club, said: “For a variety of reasons, 2020 has been a challenging year for recreational sports clubs and communities as a whole.

“The winter flood damage was very challenging for us so we were delighted that Sport England awarded this important National Lottery funding.

“We can now approach the truncated season confident that our square and outfit will be recovered from the effects of flooding; ensuring the community can once more benefit from these fantastic facilities.”

The storms devastated homes, businesses and infrastructure and had a major impact on sports facilities, particularly sports pitches and water sports centres.