🏏 Big blows for cricket clubs across Wales as they face hefty bills of up to £100,000 to keep stray balls from damaging nearby homes! With new housing developments popping up right next to cricket grounds, the cost of installing safety nets has skyrocketed. 📈
Barry Cawte, the chief of Cricket Wales, raised the alarm with the Senedd, highlighting how these planning decisions threaten the future and safety of our beloved cricket clubs. 🏠⚠️
He’s called out the lack of guidance in the planning process, saying these developments are eating into what were once protective green buffers. And guess who’s footing the bill? Our community clubs! 😡
While England involves Sport England early in planning, our Welsh system is lagging behind. Cawte is urging the Welsh Government for a policy shake-up, insisting developers should cover the necessary safety costs and involve Sport Wales when planning near sports grounds.
Such measures wouldn’t just protect clubs—they’d also enhance community life by preserving our cherished green spaces. 🌿 After all, well-kept sports grounds are vital assets to new neighbourhoods, boosting health and community spirit. 🏏❤️
What do you think? Should developers provide the funds for safety nets instead? Let’s hear your thoughts below! ⬇️