Fringford faces battle to save its cricket field

Published on Sunday 8 January 2012 07:21

FRINGFORD Cricket Club says it is facing the most important match of its 109-year history as it prepares to save the village cricket ground from possible development.

The ground has been put up for sale by the trust that owns it, but the club has been given first refusal on the site if it can come up with £45,000 by the end of August.

A deposit of £9,000 has already been paid, and the club is hoping local benefactors will help make up the remainder and preserve the heritage of Fringford.

Leslie Fagg, treasurer and secretary of Fringford Cricket Club, said: “We’re quite concerned. We’ve played cricket there for 109 years and we’ve got months to raise the money to buy it.

“If we can’t, it goes to auction to develop it.”

Mr Fagg said village events have raised £5,000 for the appeal so far, with more fundraisers planned over the next six months.

“We’re also asking people to be kind with donations, as some people have been already,” he added.

“We hope to achieve our objective by the end of August. If that doesn’t happen, unfortunately it goes to auction. Then what happens, who knows?” said Mr Fagg.

This year’s fundraising events will include the annual President’s Day celebration in August.

Anyone able to help can contact Mr Fagg on 01869 277543 or leslie.fagg@btinternet.com.