Save Barnes Cricket Ground

Update - New South Fence

The Club has received planning permission to install additional fencing which will increase the height of the south fence by 33%, to be installed before the start of the 2017 season. According to Labosport estimates, this should dramatically reduce the number of balls going over the fences. This is backed up by experience by Barnes captains/players who have observed the trajectory and height of batter’s hits over the years.

Background

Since circa 1890, cricket has been played at the cricket ground sited between Lonsdale Road and Lowther Road. The ground has been home to Barnes Cricket Club since 1919.

Barnes Cricket Ground In recent years, there has been an increasing the number of cricket balls being hit over the boundary at the ground.

In March 2015 the Club commissioned a Boundary Risk Assessment report by the ECB recommended sports consultants, Labosport Ltd and has since then, been taking actions to mitigate the risks identified in the report. Richmond Council has assisted with a granting from its Civic Pride Fund to install new netting on the east side of the ground. The Club plans to increase the height of the southern fencing as soon as possible. Funds have been raised to support this and a planning application is being prepared.

Legal Action

Over the last year the Club has had requests from a neighbour to stop playing adult cricket at the ground due to balls at times landing in his neighboring garden. On Friday 10th June 2016 we were advised by another neighbour that legal action would be taken unless the Club immediately ceased playing at the ground.

After taking advice from its insurance and legal advisors and careful consideration of its duties to the club members, the Cricket Club committee decided that it should conitinue to play at the ground.

As as result, we have been advised that the neighbours efforts will be focused on getting the ground completely closed ASAP for any adult games and any children's games which include hard balls.

The Club is working hard to find a solution as none of us would like see a court action equivalent as none of us would like see a court action equivalent to Miller_v_Jackson.

Your Support

We urge all members and friends of Barnes Cricket Club to support our efforts to continue to play cricket at Lonsdale Road in a safe environment. We are establishing a fund to raise money to make cricket as safe as possible for the Club to continue to do so.

This web page will be updated with the latest information.

If you wish to get involved, please email me chairman@barnescc.co.uk

Barnes CC Logo