ACCRINGTON Cricket Club president Peter Barratt is urging cricket fans to get behind their local teams after his own club announced losses of over £5,000 in the last two years.

Barratt, who has been made Accrington's president after 12 years as chairman at Thorneyhome Road, revealed the potential plight of many clubs in the Lancashire League if people don't get behind the sport in their area.

"Cricket, in general, hasn't been supported as we would like it to be and, because of that, clubs in all areas around here, in particular our club, are going to have to look at different ways to make money rather than rely on gates and sponsorship," he said.

"I've pleaded with members that if they felt they wanted Accrington Cricket Club and other cricket clubs to survive in this area to take steps to increase the money coming in."

But he admitted that he didn't think merging with other teams would be on the cards in the near future.

"Who knows what's going to happen in another 10 years if we can't get proper funding into the club?" he said.

"With four clubs in this area it's a possibility that we might have to share grounds and facilities.

"But at this stage I don't think any one club wants to look at that line.

"Cricket clubs are very proud of their past. Accrington Cricket Club was founded in 1846. It's a very old club and people don't want to lose it."

Accrington's losses of £5,069 were largley as a result of employing a new groundsman, but income also dropped by almost £2,600, with sponsorship down by over £1,000 and social functions down by over £1,400 on the year before. A string of thefts and break-ins have also hit the club hard financially.

But they were boosted by the £2,750 the Ladies Committee contributed through profits from the Tea Room.

Barratt has urged others to follow their lead, and a Working Party was established by the club to help raise funds.

Party members currently have three major projects underway, including a Gala Dinner with snooker legend Willie Thorn at King Street Club on Friday 19 March.

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