HUNTSPILL & District Cricket Club has been boosted by the news that a new, two-lane practice net facility will become a reality thanks to a grant from Viridor Credits Environmental Company towards the project.

Huntspill's old nets, which are not longer fit for purpose, will be replaced by a new facility - to be installed by Total-Play Limited and sited in a more suitable position at The Memorial Grounds, in New Road.

It will meet England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) standards for practice facilities, and will enable to club to offer a better, safer place to practise for current and future players in the local community.

Club chairman Dave Counsell said: “The whole club must thank Viridor Credits Environmental Company for their support of our project as, without it, it simply wouldn’t have been able to proceed.

"Their support is going to make a huge difference to both our club and the local community, as it will allow us to install a high quality practice facility which will enable more people to participate in cricket.

"As a club we have continued to grow, with two senior teams playing on Saturdays in the Somerset Cricket League, one senior midweek team in the Weston Midweek League, a Ladies Section which is growing well - having formed in 2019 - and playing games in the Somerset Ladies League and at social festivals.

"Our three youth teams, which are open to both boys and girls, play in the Taunton & District Youth League at Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15 levels, and we run both the ECB All Stars and Dynamos programmes, so this facility will really help provide more opportunities across the club and wider community.

"As we start to come out of lockdown, and with the return of grassroots sport, we are very aware of how the lack of social interaction has impacted on people's mental health and wellbeing.

"This facility will help greatly to get people active again, as sport and activity plays a massive role in positive mental wellbeing.”

The installation date for the new practice facility is currently being confirmed with Total-Play Limited, and - in addition to the Viridor grant - the club also wishes to give thanks for the fundraising of its members over recent years, as well as the Tony Coles Charitable Trust and Sedgemoor District Council, who have contributed to the project, too.

For more information on Huntspill & District CC, you can visit its website here or email HDCC1866@gmail.com.