SOUTH Wilts Cricket Club has expressed both delight and relief that a grant of more than £40,000 towards developing its Lower Bemerton ground is heading its way.

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) this week confirmed that the 2008 Southern Electric Premier League runners-up stand to benefit to the tune of £44,193 with a grant from the Government’s £9.4m Community Club Development Programme (CCDP) – money pledged to the ECB that is targeted to upgrade cricket club facilities.

The programme is a funding package developed by Sport England and the Government to develop stronger links between the country’s leading clubs and their local communities.

South Wilts were identified by the ECB as a club deserving support because of the strength of their junior cricket development programme.

The grant has covered the cost of essential work to the cricket square at the venue.

South Wilts’ cricket development manager, Jamie Harvey said: “It had been a long application process so when we heard we had been awarded a grant we were delighted and relieved.

“The upgrade of the square was a priority need because the bowling ends had become uneven and it was necessary for the whole square to be re-laid and levelled.

“This work has been completed in two phases over the last 12 months.

“We are also pleased the ECB has recognised the work we do at junior level because we now coach and provide cricket opportunities for over 200 young cricketers at the club and in our community scheme.

“We also coach in four local schools through the ‘Chance to Shine’ programme.”

Harvey added: “We are grateful to the ECB for their most generous support because we could not afford to improve our facilities from our own resources. We regard the grant as an investment in cricket at the club for the long term future.”

The chief executive of Sport England, Jennie Price said: “We are delighted to make this award to South Wilts. The facility is key to the local development of cricket.

“The CCDP represents a new way of working for Sport England whereby national governing bodies are involved in the initial selection of possible projects that should receive funding based on their new strategic plans.

“This programme is an innovative way of helping to ensure that community clubs – the heart of grass roots sports development in the country – receive the capital investment they need.”

• South Wilts CC has applied for planning permission to build a new clubhouse at its Lower Bemerton ground.

The proposal would see the demolition of its current clubhouse.

Included in the application, which is under public consultation until January 29, is a new scoreboard and protective fencing as well as a new access driveway and parking.

A decision is expected before February 11.