A REPLACEMENT cricket square is being sought by sports development chiefs for a popular ground in Nelson.

Recreation officer Kieron Roberts has told councillors that the wicket at Swinden playing fields is around 15 years old and needs replacing. He is making a bid for a £4,400 replacement from the Nelson area committee to overhaul the current synthetic pitch, which he says has large rips and is uneven in places.

Mr Roberts said: “The synthetic wicket is heavily used by local cricketers, young and old, for casual informal use and for practice matches. There have been numerous requests from existing users for the surface to be improved or replaced. If the surface was relaid then we would be able to provide a better wicket for the users. This wicket could also be used when the traditional grass wickets are wet.”

The grant application, for part of a community fund currently just over £41,000 worth of allocations left, will be considered by area committee members next Monday.