CRICKET facilities in the borough are to receive a boost after proposals to install a dozen new wickets were given the nod.

Bolton’s sports chief, Cllr John Byrne has approved a scheme for 12 artificial wickets to funded by the English Cricket Board (ECB), in a bid to increase participation.

The £13,000 pitches will be at locations including Turton School, Ladybridge School, Barlow Park, Moss Bank.

Others will be at Church Road, St James School and Deane and Derby Cricket Club, while New House Farm and Hulton Lane will host three and two pitches respectively.

A report by Ged Rowney, Bolton Council’s director of people, found that poor quality pitches were inhibiting the growth of local leagues.

Cricket has been a priority sport in Bolton for the past 10 years and significant partnerships. But the state of the council owned pitches has resulted in a recent dip in teams playing the sport. And with on-going financial pressure it is likely that the condition of the pitches will deteriorate more over the next five years.

The ECB has recognised that council facilities play a significant role in increasing participation in cricket.

And, as part of its “Cricket Unleashed” strategy it is providing funding to replace and install new non-turf wickets, including a five year maintenance package.

The aim is to for this programme to grow recreational cricket as well as to provide high quality wickets for Bolton-based clubs and leagues base.

It is further anticipated that some of the park sites will be used for informal ‘turn up and play’ arrangements with others being used for a more structured play.

The procurement process has already begun as it must to be completed by the end of July.