Clubs hit by water shortage

The headlines warn of trouble ahead © Evening Standard

Hosepipe bans in southern England could have dramatic repercussions on cricket at county and club level.

Three water authorities - Southern (which covers Hove), Mid-Kent (Canterbury) and Sutton and East Surrey - applied in March for drought orders to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Domestic hosepipe bans are already in force across much of the south-east, which is experiencing its driest period since 1933.

Both Sussex and Kent were waiting anxiously for Defra's decision, expected in early May, and are hopeful that their requests for exemptions will be looked upon favourably. But a spokesperson for Southern Water said: "We are not being dismissive of small businesses and sports associations but we must ask ourselves whether using water for non-essential uses such as watering sports pitches is more vital than ensuring there is enough drinking water in our taps this summer."

But, even if counties can continue business as usual, club sides could face major problems if the south-east has a hot summer. Under a drought order an amateur club would be able to water its square for only two hours once a week. Typically a county groundsman would water his square every day when there is not a match on.

"To have water usage cut could have squares blown away in dust. It's a health and safety issue as much as anything," says Chris Wood, the ECB pitches consultant. "We are most concerned about club cricket," says Paul Millman, the Kent chief executive. "Club grounds need concessions to water their squares at the very least."

Hugh Robertson, the shadow sports minister and a Kent MP, has raised the issue in parliament, asking Defra to exempt counties and community sports facilities. But he is doubtful of the need for drought orders anyway. "Before we start effectively destroying sports facilities, we need to be absolutely clear that this is necessary and I'm not convinced that it is."