IN June, I publicly asked Radcliffe Cricket Club officials if rumours were true about them selling-off their existing ground for housing and then re-locating to the running track on Cams Lane. Readers may remember the denials from the club chairman a week later.

I was therefore bowled over to find that proposals going before Radcliffe Area Board on Thursday at 7pm, included the possible relocation of Radcliffe Cricket Club to the running track on Cams Lane, along with the sell-off of their existing ground to builders. A very reliable source informs me that negotiations were taking place at least six months prior to the denial.

So why all this misinformation? As usual, it is those whose homes will be affected that are the last to find out. Fortunately, the meeting is open to the public with a 45-minute forum of questions and answers, so anyone wishing to find out more can attend and have their say. Now that the cricket club has been "caught out" it would be nice if they just retired gracefully and took their plans with them, because I think they will find much stiffer opposition to contend with than they had hoped for.

I have no qualms with the cricket club expanding their existing facilities as long as they remain within their own boundaries, and Bury Metro ensures that they recognise that their existing ground remains under Protected Recreation Provision. Oh, and if anyone can remember a covenant on the existing RCC grounds, will they please inform Bury Council.

OWZAT