Funding programme benefits local cricket clubs

The funding comes from the Sports Infrastructure Fund, a new funding programme launched in October 2024 by Wealden District Council. The programme will invest up to £600,000  over the next three years to enhance and improve outdoor sports pitches and facilities throughout the district.

Heathfield Park Cricket Club has received £16,000 from the council’s Sports Infrastructure Fund which will contribute towards the installation of new cricket nets at the cricket ground on School Hill, Heathfield. Buxted Park Cricket Club has also received £12,000 to install hybrid cricket wickets at Buxted Park and Maresfield Recreation Ground.

These sites are widely used by many members of the community. The practice nets at Heathfield are old and no longer met Cricket Board standards, making urgent replacement necessary to allow play to continue. Without financial support from Wealden council, the quality of the site and its facilities would have declined further. This would have reduced the availability of facilities, leading to fewer teams — particularly junior and Sunday-friendly teams – and would have reduced the availability at this site.

Hybrid cricket wickets is a relatively new technology and should help to protect and improve the existing playing surfaces at Buxted Park and Maresfield Recreation Ground.

The funding meets the recommended actions of the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy by supporting community-use and the enhancement and protection of the long-term future of cricket at these sites.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden and Wellbeing and Asset Management Portfolio Holder, said, “Sports are important within communities, they unite us and make communities grow closer and stronger giving people a sense of belonging. Sport also contributes to good health and mental wellbeing. Investing in sports within Wealden means that for years to come residents will have access to high quality sports and leisure facilities. By supporting sports facilities and clubs such as Heathfield and Buxted Park Cricket Clubs, we can ensure that our communities continue to thrive, grow and stay connected.”

Notes for editors

 

The funding programme looks to improve sports provision, increase accessibility and help deliver the priority projects listed within the Wealden Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy & Action Plan. It was adopted by the Council in December 2023 and agreed by sport’s governing bodies and Sport England.

For further information on the Sports Infrastructure Funding Programme can be found here, or the Wealden Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy and Action Plan can be found here.