PRESTATYN Cricket Club says it could be at risk of closure if it does not raise enough funds to purchase a new wicket roller.

The club, which is based on Beach Close, has set up an online fundraiser page with a £20,300 target set - www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/prestatyn-cricket---ground-equipment-fundraiser.

Sion Williams, who has taken on the role of the club’s treasurer, said the financial implications of COVID-19 and escalated running costs have left it unable to afford a new roller by itself.

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He said: “We are currently looking at crowdfunding as our 30-year-old roller has packed in.

“A replacement costs in the region of £15,000, which we can’t currently afford. It could put the club at risk in the future if we don’t have a playable wicket.

“We don’t have the funds to replace it, as running costs have escalated in the last two years, and we were badly hit by COVID.”

The club, which comprises two senior weekend teams and junior sides of ages between nine and 19, now has its ground in use five days a week during the summer.

A cricket wicket must be rolled before a match to ensure a consistent bounce, and to maintain the safety of the batsmen.

Should it raise the £20,300 it has asked for, the club plans to spend that money in the following ways:

  • New roller: £13,500
  • New square mower attachment: £4,000
  • End-of-season ground maintenance: £1,350
  • Existing mower maintenance / blade sharpening: £650
  • Start-of-season ground weed and feed: £500

In the last two years, the club has been successful in two grant applications to help improve its facilities.

The first allowed it to install solar panels on the clubhouse, while the second funded numerous items, including new nets and beaches.

A number of fundraising events are also being organised to help boost the club’s finances.