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Astro Turf Cricket Wicket for Birchenwood

Whitehill Online has been at the centre of a campagne by local young people and residents to get an all weather Astro Turf cricket wicket installed at Birchenwood Fields, located just off Mount Road, Kidsgrove.

Sub Standard Existing Cricket Wicket

After the successful campaign for a cricket wicket last year (via our online forum boards), local Town and Borough Councillor Mary Maxfield successfully managed to lobby Newcastle Borough Council for a grass wicket to be installed and maintained.

After the success of last years wicket Newcastle Borough Council agreed to install and maintain the grass wicket once again this year. However the wicket has proved very popular and because of the extensive use the wicket is in a sub standard state, thus making it unplayable.

Astro Turf

There has been a large amount of discussion about the alternative options available with the most popular for sure been that of an Astro Turf all weather wicket. This type of wicket would enable cricket to be played all year round regardless of the weather and use of the wicket. We here at Whitehill Online believe it will over excellent value to everyone involved, including Newcastle Borough Council who will benefit from reduced maintenance costs once an all weather wicket is installed.

Funding Issues

Sadly, Newcastle Borough Council after sounding very positive about the idea have now suggested that £5,000 needs to be raised to fund the installation of the wicket. This is difficult because funding is only awarded to established and approved groups, and takes up a vast amount of time something which Newcastle Borough Council should allocate.

It does appear that Newcastle Borough Council appears to have done a U-Turn suggesting that funding for this project could now be available. We will have to wait and see and continue to put pressure on Newcastle Borough Council, however you can rest assured that Whitehill Online will continue to follow the progress of this application.

What’s your view on this story and other local issues? Why not share it with us and fellow local residents in the Whitehill Online Forum Boards.