Somerset patron 'very keen to save the County Ground' says Anderson

The question of Somerset County Cricket Club remaining at their traditional town centre home has once again come back onto the agenda with the publication of `Taunton Vision 2025 and Beyond' document.

For the first time this week chief executive Peter Anderson gave his response and told me: "It is very pleasing to note that in the report it is acknowledged that Somerset County Cricket Club is an asset to the town and should be used to help to promote it."

The chief executives comments refer specifically to the section in the report that focuses on culture, leisure, sport and tourism which says: "If we are to attract and retain tomorrows' population we will need to provide them with the right mix of contemporary leisure and cultural facilities."

The report continues: "We envisage that Taunton should become a leading centre for the South West for its range and quality of leisure, sporting and cultural activity focused around the town centre."

The Somerset boss continued: "Our Patron Christopher Ondaatje is very keen that we should remain on our current site earlier this year made a very generous loan to enable us to purchase the Barnicott's Building. He is very keen indeed to save the County Ground."

The first objective listed by the `Taunton Vision 2025 and Beyond' document in this section is: "To build upon the potential of Somerset County Cricket Club, both as a facility and a strong local brand."

The Club also features as the first of the main projects that are outlined in the same section which states: "Support the development of Somerset County Cricket Club as a centre of excellence, including multi-use of facilities and increased capacity for international competition."

From the point of view of the Cricket Club this document recognises the important part that it plays in the fabric of the town, and supports the notion that the Club should remain at it's town centre venue whilst also being encouraged to develop sufficiently to hold international matches.

Mr Anderson concluded: "I shall be looking forward to discussing with Taunton Deane Borough Council exactly what it is they have in mind to enable both the club and Taunton itself to fulfil these intentions."