Kent Cricket Board welcomes announcement of flood relief grants and interest free loans for Cricket Clubs

The England and Wales Cricket Trust (EWCT) has announced it is making £500,000 available in grants from its emergency fund to help cricket clubs affected by this winter’s bad weather, a decision welcomed by Kent Cricket Board. In addition, the EWCT has made available £1.25 million in interest free loans to assist affected clubs.

The south east of England was one of the worst-hit areas, with clubs experiencing flooding of their grounds, pavilions and machinery stores.

Kent’s Cricket Clubs affected by recent weather are likely to benefit, as Kent Cricket Board Chairman, Jamie Clifford explains;

“News of ECB’s financial support to Clubs affected by the winter’s floods and storms is very welcome. I am very aware that a number of Clubs in Kent have suffered with what have been extremely challenging conditions. The Kent Cricket Board will offer any support required by a Club in making a case to ECB for grant or loan assistance. ”

High winds and storms have led to sightscreens being damaged and many clubs needing assistance to clear fallen trees and debris from their grounds. Kent Cricket Board Director, Peter Robinson has seen some of the local damage first hand and commented; “The speed of response by ECB in making and communicating this offer has been impressive and is very much welcomed.

“I first got involved following the first storm between Xmas and New Year when the Sandwich Town out ground at Gazen Salts was flooded with 27% salt water when the Stour estuary bank bunding collapsed. ECB, KCB Groundsman’s Association and Institute of Groundsman representatives visited to agree the work programme.

“The second example was the offer and agreement to cover the machinery recovery costs at Yalding Cricket Club after their two mowers and roller were inundated for several weeks when their equipment storage containers were under water for a significant period. Again ECB and KCB GA representatives visited the Club to discuss what was possible and this included the option to relocate their storage units to higher ground.

There have been many other examples of storm damage, including the complete ripping off of the Offham Cricket Club’s flat roof pavilion and many examples of trees being uprooted.

“The revised 2014 KCB Facilities Plan now includes sections on information and mitigation options from the influence of climate change, ranging from the consequences of both flooding and drought on the ability of clubs to sustain the game. The partnerships between ECB, KCB, IoG, our clubs and including local authorities demonstrates a very strong alignment of motivation.”

Since 2007 ECB has invested over £500,000 in supporting clubs affected by flooding. ECB offers a range of guidance documents for cricket clubs on how to help reduce flood risk and flood damage which can be accessed via www.ecb.co.uk.

Clubs that have been affected by flooding and need support to ensure cricket can be played at their ground during the 2014 cricket season should contact the ECB directly at facilities@ecb.co.uk to enquire about the England and Wales Cricket Trust Emergency Fund.

ECB Chief Executive David Collier said: “We are hugely grateful to the Trust for activating its emergency fund and also very appreciative of Sport England’s recent decision to create a £5 million Flood Relief fund to help restore pitches and sports facilities affected by this winter’s floods and storms.”

Sarah Morecombe