Cricketers stumped as play banned after 200 years

Rory Carlton said the ban on adult hard-ball cricket in Danbury was an "absolute tragedy"

Amateur cricketers have been stumped after the sport was permanently banned at a village pitch where it had been played for more than 200 years.

Play at Dawson Memorial Field in Danbury, Essex, was suspended over summer after a passer-by was struck on the leg by a ball as he unloaded his car on 17 May.

Danbury Cricket Club secretary Rory Carlton said it was an "absolute tragedy" as parish councillors agreed to make the ban permanent in September.

The council said the restriction only referred to adult hardball cricket and argued the decision was based on "advice received from professional and legal advisors".

Both parties have been exploring whether a 20m-high (66ft) net could be installed around the pitch at Dawson Memorial Field, but believe it could cost £100,000.

Three teams - Danbury, Tuskers and Oaklands - all played at the ground in the centre of the village, but have had to host games elsewhere since May.

Three teams played at Dawson Memorial Fields

Mr Carlton said: "I'm incredibly disappointed, although I have to say not surprised.

"The biggest loss is to the village of Danbury. It really takes something away, that soft benefit for residents."

Early records kept by Danbury Cricket Club showed games had been played in the village since at least 1799.

"We're trying to find an alternative ground in the local area but, speaking to Essex cricket, grounds are as rare as hen's teeth – it's very difficult to find one," Mr Carlton added.

"[The council] were very keen to say over the summer that it's not banned; I think it's safe to say that it is well and truly banned."

'Nimbyism'

In a statement, Danbury Parish Council said "no adult hardball cricket" could be played at the venue "for the foreseeable future".

It disputed defining this as a ban and said any applications to reinstate cricket in the future would be assessed.

Phil Walker, editor-in-chief of the Wisden Cricket Monthly, said the "demoralising" decision was "unfortunately another story of English nimbyism".

He added: "It sets a dangerous precedent because if we are going to move towards this kind of attitude in English life, then there's a lot of good things out there that are going to fall by the wayside."