'Howzat?' - South Tyneside cricket clubs submit plans to upgrade grounds
“The improved facility will enhance the experience for those attending cricket matches across all sections of the club.”
Two South Tyneside cricket clubs are hoping to bowl planners over with improvement proposals to boost their grounds – and their coffers.
Marsden Cricket Club has declared its intentions to enclose a section of existing outdoor decking so more spectators can watch matches in comfort, helping increase revenue.
And Whitburn Cricket Club is appealing primarily to install a section of paving between its clubhouse and playing field boundary.
Bosses at Marsden CC, which plays at the Jack Clark Park in South Shields, say spectators can be left out in the cold because its clubhouse bar is too small.
The area can host just 40 people, but with a 100-strong membership, more cover is needed during spells of bad weather.
In a planning statement, it said: “We have a small pergola style area located in the centre of our decking area and we are looking to glaze this portion.
“This will allow our members to stay longer during bad weather and increase our revenue streams, allowing us to grow further.”
And officials at picturesque Whitburn CC hope to install additional patio surfacing and a short section of timber fencing and a timber gate.
They say the paving will improve access across the site and provide additional seating where spectators can rest and watch games in greater comfort.
In a planning statement, club agent Gary Craig Architectural Service said existing 1.5m-wide block paving did not provide space to accommodate seating with room to pass without treading on the grass.
It added: “The proposed patio is required to address several limitations with the existing outdoor spectator area.
“The purpose of the new patio is to extend the seated and standing capacity available to spectators and visitors, whilst providing a safe, level and accessible surface.
“The improved facility will enhance the experience for those attending cricket matches across all sections of the club, including junior, senior and women's cricket, as well as community events hosted at the ground.”
The public can have their say on Whitburn CC’s plans via South Tyneside Council’s website until Wednesday, October 7, but Marsden CC’s proposal closed this week to comment.