Council stumps up £8,000 for new cricket pitch

Councillor Faisal Rana inspects the damaged cricket pitch at Lenny Barn

A worn-out cricket pitch at Lenny Barn playing fields in Falinge is to be replaced by Rochdale Borough Council after local youngsters complained about its dangerous state.

Funding of £8,000 has now been allocated for a replacement using the local township committee funds, after a successful application from local ward councillors.

Councillor Faisal Rana said: "Lenny Barn is very popular for people of all ages playing all kinds of sports. But the cricket pitch is so neglected it's unusable. If you tried to play on it, it would be dangerous. The surface is breaking up and is full of large holes. Every time it rains the holes fill up with water.

"At the moment it's more suitable for ducks than aspiring all-rounders like Ben Stokes.  

"It looks like it's been forgotten about. It's obvious not a penny has been spent on it in recent years to keep it up to scratch. Cricket is a popular sport for many youngsters in the area and they asked me if I could help in getting it replaced. Many older residents have contacted me on Facebook with happy memories of playing cricket on Lenny Barn. It's a shame it's been left to get into this state.

"Along with my fellow ward councillors Rachel Massey and Wendy Cocks, I applied to the local Township Committee for a grant for £8,000 for new matting to be installed which was approved.

Healey councillor Shah Wazir also supported the bid. He said: "I know I was cricket mad when I was a young so it's a real shame today's youngsters can't play their favourite sport on a proper pitch.

“It's important that the council supports activities for young people if we are to successfully tackle childhood obesity and get them more active and healthier."