THE Bolton Cricket League have brought forward the date of their vote on expansion plans.

Club representatives met on Monday night to discuss proposals to increase the league from 14 to 24 clubs and introduce two divisions for the first time in its history.

It was also decided to hold the vote on the expansion plans on June 8 instead of the original date of June 22.

The league's 14 clubs will each have one vote and at least 10 will need to vote in favour for the proposals to be acted upon.

If that happens the League will invite applications from clubs wishing to join them.

In that case they would be looking to recruit five clubs with grounds superior to their existing clubs and another five high quality clubs from leagues that have professional players.

The new two-tier structure would begin the season after next.

If eight or nine clubs vote in favour of the proposals at Tonge Cricket Club on June 8, the plans will be put on the back burner and be discussed again next year.

Should fewer than eight clubs vote in favour, the idea will not be discussed again for at least three years.

There were about 40 representatives from clubs present at Tonge CC on Monday night with each club represented along with the League's umpires association.

Meanwhile, Prestwich, Glossop and Duckinfield have all informed the Lancashire County League that they will be leaving to join the new Greater Manchester League.

The GM League has a June 30 deadline for applications.

The Bolton Association has set a May 31 deadline for their clubs to inform them if they intend to join another league next season.