Lenny Barn gets new cricket pitch in time for summer

Local councillors Faisal Rana, Iram Faisal and Rachel Massey take a look at the brand new cricket pitch at Lenny Barn

A new cricket pitch has been installed at Lenny Barn playing fields, off Falinge Road, ahead of the summer.

Last October, an £8,000 grant was approved by the township committee for new matting and improvements to the square after a request from the Spotland & Falinge ward councillors.
 

Read more: Council stumps up £8,000 for new cricket pitchPublished: 23 October 2020

Councillor Faisal Rana said: "Lenny Barn is very popular for people of all ages playing all kinds of sports. But the old cricket pitch was so neglected it's unusable. The surface was breaking up and full of large holes. Every time it rained the holes filled up with water.

“It was more suitable for ducks than aspiring all-rounders like Ben Stokes.  

"Now we have a brand new pitch and improvements to the cricket square. Cricket is a popular sport for many youngsters in the area and they are over the moon with it.

“Many older residents have contacted me on Facebook with happy memories of playing cricket on Lenny Barn. It's was a shame it was neglected for so long but they’re delighted it’s been put right."

Councillor Rachel Massey added: "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.

"I'm pleased the council has now delivered on this important project... just in time for the cricket season.”

Newly elected councillor Iram Faisal is equally delighted with new pitch. She said: “It was so neglected and dilapidated and was too dangerous to play on by the many young cricket enthusiasts in the area.

“They turned to their local councillors for help in getting it repaired. They applied to the council's township committee for funds for a new pitch and now, it's finally been laid.”