Turner's plans spark a debate (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Turner's plans spark a debate

7:50am Saturday 21st July 2012 in Sport By Matt Donlan, Sports reporter

LOWERHOUSE chairman Stan Heaton believes that Paul Turner’s plans to change the face of league cricket would struggle to find support – but has welcomed the chance to open a debate on the sport.

Former East Lancashire record breaking amateur batsman and current Cherry Tree star Turner revealed yesterday his ambitious ideas to revolutionise the face of the game across the county and wants to see a super league of four divisions of 10 teams with promotion and relegation.

And while the long-serving Heaton doesn’t think teams will vote for Turner’s plan of promotion and relegation, he does believes Turner’s idea will be the talk of grounds this weekend – and says that can only be a good thing.

“Fair play to Paul for his ideas to improve local cricket and this may start a good consultation period,” said Heaton, the chairman of the reigning Foster’s Lancashire League cham-pions. “What I think that we must do is consult with the players and spectators to ensure that we provide the product that people want. I am far from sure that this goes on now but for major changes – we must consult.

“Obviously any changes would require the consent of the league clubs and, sorry to be negative, but here are the reasons why some of these ideas have been rejected in the past.

“I think also that we have to be careful in viewing local cricket on the back of appalling weather. “If this is to become the norm, then league cricket really is in dire straights and no amount of tinkering with the format will help it.”

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