Northants to proceed with new net area

By Paul Bolton, County News Correspondent

Northamptonshire have been given planning permission to turn the old bowling green at Wantage Road into an outdoor net area. The planning permission, granted by Northampton Borough Council, will allow Northamptonshire to erect nets and fencing on the former bowling green, as the latest stage in on-going improvements at the county’s headquarters.

“In order to continue to develop Northamptonshire County Cricket Club into one of the leading non-Test Match counties in the country it is essential that the club aligns itself with other counties by having the facility of grass outdoor nets away from the main playing area,” said Northamptonshire chief executive David Smith.
 
“This in turn will allow the club via the governing body, the ECB, to attract high quality touring teams like Australia, India and South Africa to the County Ground. This brings many visitors to Northampton for the two/three day duration of these games and raises the profile of the town.

“These nets will also be used by our county age group squads ranging from children aged eight to 18, our ladies cricket teams, as well as our disability teams via the Northants Cricket Board.
 
“The club will continue its programme of involvement with local schools attempting to bring cricket to the local community. Schools and community groups will also have the opportunity to hold sports days during the summer months on the main cricket ground.”


Date: 02/11/2012 09:58:47 by Paul Bolton
In: Today | Northamptonshire |