Rose Bowl improves access

The Rose Bowl has been granted planning permission for an additional entrance. This new entrance should ease the access problems that have occurred when the ground has hosted international matches.

The entrance is at the southern end of the 150-acre site, almost directly opposite the two existing public entrances. It will be used as a vehicle entrance and exit on major match and event days.

Rod Bransgrove, the Hampshire chairman, said: "This is more fantastic news for the Rose Bowl and adds further credence to our stated objective of becoming the finest cricket stadium in the country."

The ground has often been criticised for its accessibility when England have played at the venue, with spectators sometimes having to leave early to ensure they can catch trains and problems with park-and-ride systems.

In 2008 the Rose Bowl will host two England matches, the first one-day international against New Zealand on June 15 and a Twenty20 International against South Africa on August 20.