Our local cricket club is one of the first to benefit from the Government's £9.4m Community Club Development Programme – monies pledged to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), targeted at upgrading cricket facilities. Saltaire CC was identified as a club deserving support because of the strength of their junior cricket development programme. The conditional grant offer amounts to over £35,000.

A press release having been received, from Mike Turner of ECB, shortly after our last issue was published, no pretence is made that this item constitutes "up to the minute news". It is nevertheless given the prominence it deserves by virtue of its lasting, local interest.

In additon to two synthetic pitches, this will provide for an update of the square and  a water supply and irrigation system which will help with the preparation of pitches.

The Active Chief Executive of Sport England, Steve Baddeley said, "We are delighted to make this award to Saltaire Cricket Club. The facility is key to the local development of cricket."

INVESTMENT

The Club's Project Leader, Ed Duguid said, "We are  pleased to have our work at junior level recognised by ECB. We have over 100 junior cricketers and the new synthetic practice area will provide good safe playing surfaces which are so important for the development of young cricketers.

We regard the grant offer as an investment in the Club's cricket for the future and we are confident it will pay dividends in the years ahead."