Village cricket club's ground bought by county side

The long-term future of a village cricket club has been secured after a county championship side purchased its ground.

Brixworth Cricket Club (BCC) had been fundraising to buy its ground and adjoining tennis courts on Northampton Road, after a landlord's decision to sell his assets in the village.

But an agreement with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club (NCCC) will now see the ground bought out by a new company - led by the club and supported by the Steelbacks Foundation.

The BBC has contacted both BCC and NCCC for comment on the financial make-up of the deal.

In a statement, NCCC said the "agreement ensures cricket will continue to be played at Brixworth for generations to come, cementing the club's role at the heart of the local community".

The ground was previously owned by businessman Dallas Burston, and had been subject of development speculation in recent years.

Under the new structure, Brixworth will continue to play at the ground, with plans to invest in and enhance facilities.

NCCC said the move would "create new opportunities to grow participation and engagement across the game, particularly in women's and girls' cricket, disability cricket, and within the Northamptonshire player pathway."

The county club added that it would "no longer be progressing" its previously proposed new-build development at Moulton.

Andrew Roper, from BCC, said: "This is a huge moment for Brixworth Cricket Club.

"Securing the ground means we can now concentrate on the important things of growing the game and serving the local community.

"We cannot be more excited to work with the Steelbacks Foundation... their passion equals ours which is a great start."

Karen Nicholson, chair of the Steelbacks Foundation, said: "This is about more than protecting a cricket ground, it's about unlocking its potential as a community asset.

"It's a brilliant example of what can be achieved when clubs and county cricket come together with a shared ambition."

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