Pavilion plan hit by cash shortfall

A cash shortage is threatening to ruin the unveiling of a new £260,000 showpiece brick pavilion at Lye Cricket Club in time for the team's 150th anniversary season, its treasurer has warned.

Len Wright said the club was still £40,000 short of the total needed and that the historic 2008 season may come too soon unless a benefactor or firm stepped forward. A planning application has been submitted for the pavilion, which will replace a wooden one destroyed by arson in August.

It will be a very similar design to the old one and feature a balcony with archway, clock and scoreboard.

Mr Wright said the club had done remarkably well to raise more than £210,000 through insurance monies, grants and other donations.

He added: "Everyone is keen to get something started because of the anniversary and there are lots of people within the club who want to get started by Easter.

"But unless we get the funding we cannot do that and, being an old and cautious man, I think it is more likely that the work will be done in the close season next year so it is ready for 2009.

"That is my own personal view. If we can start any earlier we will do, but unless a wealthy benefactor comes forward or we get help from local businesses I think it is unlikely."

Mr Wright said the club had applied for a grant which would cover much of the shortfall, but a decision on that was unlikely until the summer.

He said: "We have already been able to shave thousands off the cost with the help of businesses. If there is anyone else out there who can help please come forward."

The wooden pavilion was reduced to ashes in the early hours of August 30 last year.

Fire investigators declared the cause of the blaze to be arson, but no-one has yet been arrested.

The building was packed with memorabilia from the club's past, including old photos dating back to the early 19th century.

Club historian David Perks said by good fortune checks had revealed copies had been made of most of the destroyed photographs.

Anyone who can help, either by donating cash or materials, can call Mr Wright on 01384 350407.