A BRAND new facility for those who love to play cricket will open in Belgrave in January.
Leicester City Council has installed the new cricket net next to the refurbished gym at Cossington Street sports centre, offering a single bay practice cage with an all-weather non-turf wicket.
Anyone wanting to practise their batting and bowling techniques can make use of the new net, which has been installed at a cost of £40,000.
It’s free to use on a turn-up-and-play basis, but a charge applies for those wishing to reserve the net and guarantee its availability.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair said: “Anyone who’s walked past Cossington Street recreation ground during the summer months will have seen groups of friends enjoying a game of cricket – and that’s a clear indication of how much people love playing the game.
“I’m pleased we’ve been able to respond to the game’s popularity by providing this new cricket net, which will provide a safe space for people to practise their batting and bowling techniques and improve their skills.
“I hope that by investing in this new facility, we can encourage more girls, more young people and more clubs to get involved in the sport.”
The new cricket net will be open daily from 10am to 4pm from Monday 3 January. Opening hours will be longer in the summer months.
For more information, pop in to Cossington Street Sports Centre or call the centre on 0116 233 3060.