Construction is underway at the new home of Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club, and England's all-time leading test run scorer Sir Alastair Cook CBE dropped by to see the progress.
The £15m Environment Agency scheme to breach the embankments of the River Otter to reconnect it to its original flood plains provided the opportunity for the club to move to a new location.
In partnership with landlords Clinton Devon Estates, the club received planning permission for a £1.4m pavilion and grounds, set to be a dynamic and future-proof home for the club. Although much of the funding has come from public sources, the club is working hard to raise the remaining £600k needed to complete the project.
Sir Alastair Cook, who has connections to the area, visited the new ground on Saturday for a tour of the two pitches and half-constructed pavilion. He described the venue as "absolutely fantastic" and praised those involved.
Sir Alastair first showed his support for the club in the Autumn when he saw plans for its new home online and sent a video message encouraging community support.
The chairman of Budleigh Salterton, Joel Murphy, said that Sir Alastair's visit was a huge boost for the club. He praised Sir Alastair's genuine interest and willingness to be involved with Budleigh cricket, as well as his easygoing manner, as he mixed with and played an impromptu game with some of the juniors.
The new pavilion and grounds are set to be an exciting community venue for the town of Budleigh Salterton. The dynamic and future-proof home will provide a welcoming space for the community to gather, play sports, and participate in events.
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The application window for the ECB County Grants Fund opens on February 6.
For further information on funding and facilities, please contact our Devon Cricket Funding and Facilities Manager:
Nick Goodliffe
Email: nick.goodliffe@devoncricket.co.uk
Phone: 07801 178329
