THERE was a mixture of relief and rejoicing in the air on Friday as cricketers in Burbage and Easton Royal celebrated the opening of their new pitch.

It has taken four years, two planning applications and £23,000 to come to fruition but the second cricket ground at Glebe Field, East Sands, means more youngsters in the village will be able to play the sport.

The extra pitch was officially unveiled in glorious sunshine on Friday evening in front of crowds of villagers and players. MP Claire Perry also gave her constituents a taste of her bowling skills by throwing the first ball on the all-weather wicket pitch as well as cutting the ribbon and cake made for the occasion.

“It’s a real success story,” chairman of the club Marek Grabowski said. “The club was failing seven years ago like lots of other village clubs.”

Members of the club decided to try and revive it and began the four-and-a-half-year-long process to transform the field adjacent to their second pitch, belonging to the Diocese of Salisbury.  However, the parish council recommended Wiltshire Council reject the plans as they were worried about increased traffic, but the application was approved.

The club then faced another blow and had to fork out £8,000 in compensation to the farmer who was leasing the field from the Diocese and by the time they had got the money their planning permission had expired and they had to start again.

Now, having funded the new pitch themselves, their membership is booming and they have more than 100 children on their books.

Mr Grabowski added: “Most of the people in the village are absolutely delighted as they have children or grandchildren playing or being coached at the club.

“It was a fantastic evening to see all the kids there, the two fields in action, all the kids running about, having a great time. It was with great relief to see Claire Perry cut the ribbon.”