Welcome progress on future of Headingley

Council chiefs today welcomed the significant progress made in securing the future of test cricket in Leeds.

This follows Yorkshire County Cricket Club's success in obtaining Sport England's support-in-principle for their development proposals.

At this week's meeting of the council's executive board, officers were instructed to work closely with Yorkshire County Cricket Club over the next few months. They will continue to assist in securing Sport England's agreement to the award of a major Sports Lottery grant.

The intention is to have a funding package in place to allow a start on the scheme in September 2000, and for the improved facilities to be available for the test and one-day international scheduled for Headingley in 2001.

Subject to Sport England's approval of YCCCs lottery application, the council's executive board will be recommended to make a capital grant of £1.5m and an annual revenue contribution of £100k towards a suitable 10 year cricket development programme in the community.

Provision has already been made in the council's capital programme for the possible support of such a scheme.

Councillor Brian Walker, Leader of Leeds City Council said: "Leeds City Council very much welcomes Sport England's support for Yorkshire Cricket's proposals."

"We will continue to work with and assist YCCC's efforts to secure the future of test cricket at Headingley."

Yorkshire's Chairman Keith Moss paid tribute to Cllr Walker and his colleagues for the tremendous support the council had extended to the club, culminating in the lottery bid which would ensure the continuation of test cricket at Headingley.

"The ongoing partnership for cricket development in Leeds is also flourishing and the assistance of council officers was most appreciated in delivering the sports development requirements of Sport England and Leeds City Council."

And in a letter to Councillor Walker, stadium chief Paul Caddick added: "Leeds City Council's involvement in the scheme has been invaluable in ensuring the continuation of test match cricket at Headingley and that the stadium continues to be a major centre for sporting excellence in the north of England."